Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
$7 Million Grant Will Support Workers Laid Off From Farming Giant
Edward Smith updated website photo 2024
By Edward Smith
Published 8 months ago on
March 4, 2024

Share

EDD awards $7 million to two nonprofits to help Prima Wawona farmworkers who lost their jobs.

Assistance ranges from rental relief to help finding a job.

While Prima Wawona issued about 5,400 layoff notices, some experts say as many as 10,000 workers could be affected.


The California Employment Development Department awarded $7 million to La Cooperativa Campesina de California to help the thousands of farmworkers laid off after the largest stone fruit grower in the nation filed for bankruptcy.

Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) and state Sen. Anna Caballero (D-Merced) hosted a town hall meeting Monday for workers affected by the bankruptcy filing of the largest stone fruit grower in the nation.

“I understand the challenges and grief that occur when businesses close and families are displaced because of a plant closure,” Caballero said. “Agricultural workers are a vital part of our community and economy, and we need to do whatever we can to help.”

Rental Relief to Job Relocation

In January, Prima Wawona issued more than 5,400 layoff notices. Some experts believe, however, the number of jobs affected could reach 10,000.

A partnership between La Cooperativa Campesina and Proteus, Inc. — nonprofits providing worker resources, especially with farmworkers — will provide job transition services to laid-off workers.

That means help with job searches, resume building, job referrals, and access to a computer room. While workers go without pay, Proteus also provides support for housing, utilities, clothing, and food.

“At Proteus, Inc., we’re honored to stand alongside our farmworker family and be their trusted community resource during this difficult time,” said Michelle Engel-Silva, CEO of Proteus, Inc. “We offer a guiding hand and a compassionate ear to those in need. Whether it’s accessing our in-house services or connecting with our network of partner agencies, we’re here to ensure no one will have to face this challenge alone.”

Those needing services can contact Proteus, Inc. at (559) 733-5423.

Prima Wawona Includes Gerawan Farming

Prima Wawona filed for bankruptcy in October 2023. Investment fund Paine Schwartz Partner in 2019 brought together farming giants Wawona Farms and Gerawan Farming.

The farm has about 13,000 acres in Fresno and Tulare counties for sale, worth $231.9 million, according to bankruptcy documents.

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

Merced’s Iconic Laura Fountain Returns to Splendor With $300K Restoration

DON'T MISS

If You Thought Trump Wasn’t Serious About Deportations, Look at His First Appointments

DON'T MISS

Biden EPA to Charge First-Ever ‘Methane Fee’ for Emissions Waste by Oil and Gas Companies

DON'T MISS

Trump Picks Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to Be Ambassador to Israel

DON'T MISS

At the Pandemic’s Start, Americans Began Drinking More. They Still Are.

DON'T MISS

Last GOP Congressman Anchored in Democratic LA County Concedes in Race Against Former NASA Exec

DON'T MISS

Aid Groups Say Israel Misses US Deadline to Boost Humanitarian Aid Entering Gaza

DON'T MISS

Speaker Mike Johnson Says Republicans Are ‘Ready to Deliver’ on Trump’s Agenda

DON'T MISS

Wall Street Slips as the Trump Trade Cools

DON'T MISS

49ers Coach Kyle Shanahan Says Players’ Sideline Spat Has Been ‘Squashed’

UP NEXT

If You Thought Trump Wasn’t Serious About Deportations, Look at His First Appointments

UP NEXT

Biden EPA to Charge First-Ever ‘Methane Fee’ for Emissions Waste by Oil and Gas Companies

UP NEXT

Trump Picks Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to Be Ambassador to Israel

UP NEXT

At the Pandemic’s Start, Americans Began Drinking More. They Still Are.

UP NEXT

Last GOP Congressman Anchored in Democratic LA County Concedes in Race Against Former NASA Exec

UP NEXT

Aid Groups Say Israel Misses US Deadline to Boost Humanitarian Aid Entering Gaza

UP NEXT

Speaker Mike Johnson Says Republicans Are ‘Ready to Deliver’ on Trump’s Agenda

UP NEXT

Wall Street Slips as the Trump Trade Cools

UP NEXT

49ers Coach Kyle Shanahan Says Players’ Sideline Spat Has Been ‘Squashed’

UP NEXT

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Will Have Season-Ending Surgery on Torn Hamstring

Edward Smith,
Multimedia Journalist
Edward Smith began reporting for GV Wire in May 2023. His reporting career began at Fresno City College, graduating with an associate degree in journalism. After leaving school he spent the next six years with The Business Journal, doing research for the publication as well as covering the restaurant industry. Soon after, he took on real estate and agriculture beats, winning multiple awards at the local, state and national level. You can contact Edward at 559-440-8372 or at Edward.Smith@gvwire.com.

Trump Picks Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to Be Ambassador to Israel

49 mins ago

At the Pandemic’s Start, Americans Began Drinking More. They Still Are.

1 hour ago

Last GOP Congressman Anchored in Democratic LA County Concedes in Race Against Former NASA Exec

1 hour ago

Aid Groups Say Israel Misses US Deadline to Boost Humanitarian Aid Entering Gaza

2 hours ago

Speaker Mike Johnson Says Republicans Are ‘Ready to Deliver’ on Trump’s Agenda

2 hours ago

Wall Street Slips as the Trump Trade Cools

2 hours ago

49ers Coach Kyle Shanahan Says Players’ Sideline Spat Has Been ‘Squashed’

2 hours ago

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Will Have Season-Ending Surgery on Torn Hamstring

2 hours ago

Judge Delays Ruling on Whether to Scrap Trump’s Conviction in Hush Money Case

2 hours ago

Songwriters Hall of Fame Unveils Star-Studded 2025 Nominees, From Eminem to Janet Jackson

3 hours ago

Merced’s Iconic Laura Fountain Returns to Splendor With $300K Restoration

A landmark from days of old when Merced was known as “Fountain City” is back, fully restored for new generations to appreciate. ...

35 mins ago

35 mins ago

Merced’s Iconic Laura Fountain Returns to Splendor With $300K Restoration

40 mins ago

If You Thought Trump Wasn’t Serious About Deportations, Look at His First Appointments

47 mins ago

Biden EPA to Charge First-Ever ‘Methane Fee’ for Emissions Waste by Oil and Gas Companies

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump talks with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee during a roundtable at the Drexelbrook Catering & Event Center, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in Drexel Hill, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
49 mins ago

Trump Picks Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to Be Ambassador to Israel

1 hour ago

At the Pandemic’s Start, Americans Began Drinking More. They Still Are.

1 hour ago

Last GOP Congressman Anchored in Democratic LA County Concedes in Race Against Former NASA Exec

2 hours ago

Aid Groups Say Israel Misses US Deadline to Boost Humanitarian Aid Entering Gaza

2 hours ago

Speaker Mike Johnson Says Republicans Are ‘Ready to Deliver’ on Trump’s Agenda

Search

Send this to a friend