The Region : Farm Workers Protest Use of Pesticides

Hundreds of farm workers celebrating the 20th anniversary of the grape boycott staged three separate marches protesting the use of pesticides in California agriculture. All three marches--from Earlmart, McFarland and Richgrove--ended in Delano’s Ellington Park. Cesar Chavez, founder and head of the United Farm Workers Union, did not take part in the marches. Earlier in the week he said: “On Sept. 8, 1965, Delano farm workers began an epic fight to improve wages and working conditions in the fields. But 20 years later we are convinced the economic gains we made in that battle mean little when toxic poisons threaten our lives and health.” Grower representatives said proper precautions are taken to protect their vineyard workers and consumers.