Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book covers key insights about the laborers in both conventional and organic agriculture in the United States. It describes elements of the theoretical and philosophical frameworks of environmental justice, critical theory, community development, and coalition building to create a unique lens through which to examine some of the work being done to, for, and with farmworkers in US agriculture. The book examines the political-economic historical context of immigrants working in agriculture in the United States and how this has been affected by free trade policy, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It describes a richly documented, in-progress case of the Farmworker Association of Florida, specifically in its Apopka, Florida, location. The book also discusses the impact of various fair trade certifications on worker justice.