ABOUT AFOP >> SERVICES

AFOP serves its members by providing a vital link to the federal agencies that fund the services described above, often providing technical assistance and training to field staff via national conferences.

Farm work is extremely low-wage work and subject to dislocation caused by severe weather and crop failure. Most farmworkers earn less than $10,000 per year from what is often backbreaking and dangerous labor. Association members often are the agencies of last resort for many migrant and seasonal workers, providing emergency food, clothing, and other assistance. Most member organizations operate a variety of other programs, including Head Start, education, and housing counseling.

The Association operates a train the trainer pesticide safety program for farmworkers. Funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, AFOP trains outreach workers in member agencies and related organizations in the Worker Protection Standard and in the latest techniques and materials. The trainers at the local level then conduct trainings for groups of farmworkers to help them understand and protect themselves for the dangers of pesticides. The program is now operational in 14 states. It is known as Project HOPE. In past years, AFOP partnered its EPA grant with AmeriCorps funds to train AmeriCorps members in sixteen different locations. Since 1995, these train the trainer programs resulted in over 350,000 farmworkers receiving cards certifying that they were trained in pesticide safety—a requirement for all farmworkers exposed to the hazards of fields treated with chemical pesticides. Hundreds of thousands of family members, children, and community agencies have also received training on pesticide safety.

AFOP advocates for policies that benefit and protect agricultural workers. Through its newsletter, the Association communicates the latest facts and trends in the world of farmworker services and advocacy. Called the Washington Newsline, this publication is a valuable tool for farmworker organizations, AFOP member agencies, and policymakers.

The Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports its national staff, offices, and programs primarily from grants, membership fees, and contributions.