Who We Are
The Great Lakes Center for Farmworker Health and Wellbeing is part of a network of Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health funded by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Our center is comprised of academics and service providers across multiple disciplines who recognize the critical importance of seasonal agricultural workers in sustaining agriculture and our food supply chain. Our team works in Illinois, the Midwest, and beyond to promote and protect the health and wellbeing of these essential workers.
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What We Do
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Research
We conduct original research to understand and improve the factors that affect the health and well being of workers in the agriculture sector.
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Data Snapshots
We curate data on locations of agricultural operations and occupational injuries and illnesses.
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Outreach
We partner with organizations that connect rural populations with legal, health, and social support services.
Why We Do It
Our goal is to ensure safe working conditions, appropriate compensation and access to healthcare for those whose labor sustains all of us.
The Illinois, U.S., and global food supply chains are dependent on farmers and hired workers, and yet the agricultural workforce is among the most challenged worker populations in the U.S. After decades of legislation, advocacy, and research it is time to address the unique challenges and needs of those who work in agriculture.
The Center works to ‘move the needle’ on improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and families working in agriculture in partnership with public health practitioners, researchers, policymakers, trade organizations, and everyone who cares about the agriculture sector.