Welcome!
Eastern Farm Workers Association (EFWA) Central New York was founded in 1974. We are a free and voluntary, unincorporated private membership association of farm workers, seasonal workers and others who are low-income, uniting to end our poverty conditions. Our membership extends out from Onondaga County to farm workers in eight other counties. We are 100% volunteer run and independent of government funding.
Illustration by Ray Bonilla
About Central New York Farm Workers
The nine counties where EFWA members work produce farm goods worth $2 billion on the market. This is 30% of the value of all farm goods produced in New York State.
Cayuga County is the number one agricultural county in New York State, and the number one dairy producer.
Wayne County ranks third nationally in apple production.
Onondaga County is within the top 5% of dairy producers of New York State, and also has strong corn and poultry production.
The New York State Department of Labor estimates that there could be as many as 80,000 farm workers in New York State, averaging $18 per hour in pay, although EFWA members report working for as little as $14.50 per hour.
Top agricultural products in Central New York include:
Milk
Apples
Row Crops, Hay and Other Grains
Poultry and Eggs
What is EFWA?
EFWA was founded in 1974 in Binghamton, New York. In 1976, we moved to Wayne County, and eventually to Syracuse in 1997, allowing us to reach farm workers in nine counties. Through a self-help approach, EFWA is addressing some of the urgent needs of its members while building independent organization to end the systemic roots of poverty. We operate 365 days a year as a 100% volunteer organization.
Who are EFWA’s members?
EFWA began organizing primarily orchard workers, but soon began to reach seasonal farm workers who worked other low-income jobs in the service sector. Since then, we have continued to reach service workers, temporary workers in the manufacturing sector, and dairy workers, as well as retirees and disabled workers. In over 50 years, we have signed over 30,000 members.
Making Change Every Day
Whether you’re a farm worker, service worker, or someone who wants to help, you can make a difference today through building EFWA’s organizing drive and membership benefit program!
