A wage hike for Baja farmworkers may come unraveled
A tentative deal that ended a farmworker strike in Baja, Mexico may be unraveling. Last month, in an effort to end a crippling labor action that had slowed produce exports …
In Mexico’s tequila-making heartland an age-old craft is in danger of dying out
A traditional part of Mexico’s highly lucrative tequila industry is in danger of being lost. The jimadores – those who harvest the agave plants which provide the basis for tequila …
Q&A: Pat Crawford, UC Nutrition Policy Institute
“Not changing is risky. The United States – along with Mexico – has the highest obesity rates in the industrialized world. With these extraordinarily high obesity rates, we are on …
Puerto Rico wants to grow specialty coffee
More than a century ago, Puerto Rico produced some of the world’s best coffee. But in recent decades, coffee production has declined. This U.S. territory features small farms, and labor …
A number of nations are diving into culinary diplomacy, promoting their food on the international stage. The result? Increased recognition and a growth in “gastronomic tourism.” Peru is one of …
Chinese and Mexican foodways fuse at the Border
At the California – Mexican border, straddling Mexicali and Imperial County, the most notable regional cuisine isn’t Mexican food. It’s Chinese food. There are about 200 Chinese restaurants in Mexicali …
Mexican farmworkers strike for higher wages and better conditions
Mexican farmworkers are on strike for higher wages and better working conditions. The strike is centered in one of Mexico’s largest export regions, and involves thousands of workers. The labor …
UC Food Observer chooses a handful of important stories for you to read as you finish your work week. On the menu, in no particular order: growing coffee and avocados …
Mexico’s berry trade is booming
Mexico is the world’s third-largest exporter of berries: blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries. Less than two decades ago, the industry didn’t even exist. Now it employs more than 100,000 people …
Mexico, Wal-Mart take action to improve plight of farmworkers
Two months after the results of a Los Angeles Times investigation of the treatment of farmworkers in Mexico were published, that nation’s government has announced that it will take action. …