USCM addresses farmworker conditions, labor inspections
The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) has issued a series of resolutions relating to farmworker welfare, and what governments and retailers can do to help ensure adequate living standards for this section of the labor force. 
In an annual meeting held in San Francisco, the USCM reflected on the documentary 'Food Chains' and the "brave efforts" of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers in Florida to improve the livelihoods of tomato pickers.
The USCM highlighted how the successful boycott of several fast food chains spurred changes in food purchasing and pratices, along with an agreement signed by Wal-Mart to increase farm labor wages.
The conference said "although the film presents issues in Florida, poor conditions are prevalent throughout the entire country's farm labor force, including inadequate wages, working conditions, health care, education, and legal protection", while also pointing out around 53% of more than one million farmworkers are undocumented.
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors recognizes the efforts of Wal-Mart to acknowledge the importance of an adequate wage for food producers," the USCM said.
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED ,that The United States Conference of Mayors urges other major retailers to follow the lead of Wal-Mart in considering the conditions of farm workers at the locations from which their produce is originating.
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors urges Congress and the White House to increase funding for additional farm labor inspectors who are charged with evaluating the working, housing, and health conditions of farm laborers."
The USCM also urged Congress and the White House to increase funding for additional farm labor inspectors who are charged with evaluating the working, housing, and health conditions of farm laborers.
The group also called on government representatives to improve access to health care and education for the "strong and vital" migrant farm work force, and implement a streamlined guest farm worker process with the "goal of improving conditions and allowing for the ease of obtaining farm labor to support the production of food across the country".
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