Hardship on Mexico’s farms, a bounty for U.S. tables

*From the article: ” … thousands of laborers at Mexico’s mega-farms endure harsh conditions and exploitation while supplying produce for American consumers.” VL

By Richard Marosi, Los Angeles Times

The tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers arrive year-round by the ton, with peel-off stickers proclaiming “Product of Mexico.”

Farm exports to the U.S. from Mexico have tripled to $7.6 billion in the last decade, enriching agribusinesses, distributors and retailers.

American consumers get all the salsa, squash and melons they can eat at affordable prices. And top U.S. brands — Wal-Mart, Whole Foods, Subway and Safeway, among many others — profit from produce they have come to depend on.

These corporations say their Mexican suppliers have committed to decent treatment and living conditions for workers.

But a Los Angeles Times investigation found that for thousands of farm laborers south of the border, the export boom is a story of exploitation and extreme hardship.

Click HERE to read the full story.

[Photo by Don Bartletti,  courtesy of The Los Angeles Times]

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