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News Releases from Region 09

TUESDAY: U.S. EPA Administrator and UFW President will Tour Lodi, Calif. Farm, Discuss Enhanced Worker Protection Standard with Farm Workers

10/19/2015
Contact Information: 
Melissa Harrison (harrison.melissa@epa.gov)
202-697-0208
M (calvino.maria@epa.gov)
415-972-3512
Soledad Calvino ()
415-697-6289

SAN FRANCISCO - On Tuesday, October 20th, U.S. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and United Farm Workers of America (UFW) president, Arturo Rodriguez, will participate in a farm tour and a meeting with farm workers at Pacific Triple E Farm to discuss stronger protections for agricultural workers under the recently updated Worker Protection Standard (WPS).

EPA's final rule, announced in September, provides stronger protections for the nation's two million agricultural workers and their families working on farms, forests, nurseries and greenhouses and reflects extensive stakeholder input from federal and state partners and the agricultural community. Specifically, the rule strengthens requirements for training, notification, pesticide safety and hazard communication, as well as the use of personal protective equipment and the availability of supplies for routine washing and emergency decontamination.

Pacific Triple E. Farm General Manager of California Operations, Jack Esformes and other stakeholders will also participate.

WHAT: Farm tour and media availability (Closed toe, sturdy shoes recommended for tour)

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 20; 10:15 Farm tour; 10:35 Media availability

WHERE: Tomato field, 4137 Tredway Road, Lodi, Calif. (From I-5, take CA-12 East; turn right on N. Ray Road; Ray Rd turns slightly left and becomes Tredway)

WHO: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, Gina McCarthy
United Farm Workers of America President, Arturo Rodriguez
Pacific Triple E. Farm General Manager of California Operations, Jack Esformes

MEDIA: The approximately 20-minute walking tour will be open to the press to take photos and capture camera footage. Following the tour, officials will be available for media interviews.

RSVP: Credentialed press who would like to attend and/or request additional details should e-mail Harrison.melissa@epa.gov and calvino.maria@epa.gov. Please include your name, media affiliation, and contact information in your request.