On Monday, supervisors approved changing the name of Cesar Chavez day to Fresno County Farmworker and Agriculture Appreciation Day.

While Fresno County board chair Garry Bredefeld initially proposed “agriculture appreciation,” supervisors unanimously agreed to include recognition of farmworkers on the March 31 holiday following a request from supervisor Luis Chavez.

Chavez was absent for health reasons. However, supervisors approved the amended change 4-0, saying agriculture in the county includes both the farmer and the farmworker.

“One without the other just does not work,” said Bredefeld.

Adversity Between Farmers, Farmworkers Over: Pacheco

Fresno County’s decision comes before California officials’ efforts to rename the state holiday, coming only a week after the New York Times published its investigation documenting allegations of sexual abuse — including abuse of minors — by Chavez, the historic labor leader.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said he is open to renaming Cesar Chavez Day.

Members of the public said at the meeting they wanted Fresno County to recognize farmworkers as part of the agricultural industry.

One woman at the supervisor meeting said renaming the day erases the efforts of the hundreds of thousands of people who fought for farmworkers’ rights.

“Getting things named took so much hard work and time and effort, yet to destroy them and elevate those who have trampled upon us, they do it overnight,” said one woman at the Monday meeting. “I know that each and every one of you understands the nature of the struggle, because the vast majority of you have stood with us in our fights.”

She applauded the supervisors’ decision, saying honoring agriculture and farmworkers together unites the industry.

While the two still find themselves at odds about issues such as overtime, supervisor Brian Pacheco said the days of “adversity” between the two are over.

“Maybe 30 years ago, things were more adversarial — the farmers versus the farmworkers. That has completely changed now,” Pacheco said. “Today, you see a partnership together and I think the farmers do a better job of taking care of the people and we definitely appreciate the work that is so vital.”