PASCO, Wash.-A Tri-Cities based nonprofit dedicated to farmworker innovation announced its “Your Ideas Matter, Manzana Challenge 2024.”
Semillero de Ideas is inviting farmworkers from across the region to participate in the competition to come up with ideas to improve the apple harvest for workers and employers while caring for the environment.
“We know that farmworkers have a wealth of knowledge and experience that can both improve working conditions for themselves and co-workers while helping their employers compete in the global marketplace,” said Erik Nicholson, Executive Director of Semillero de Ideas.
The competition, which runs through Oct. 31, is open to teams of two or more farmworkers. First place will win $3,000, second place will receive $2,000 and third place will get $1,000.
Semillero de Ideas engages farmworkers through the creation of a safe community of worker inventors while partnering with industry and other stakeholders to recognize and reward innovation, according to a press release on the competition.
For more information on the competition or registration is available by calling 509-619-3399.
“Our mission is to support farmworkers giving voice to their amazing ideas and to provide the recognition they deserve,” said Nicholson.