What is Florida’s plan for vaccinating thousands of farmworkers? It’s unclear
Janine Zeitlin, Naples Daily News
Florida counts more than 100,000 farmworkers, but the governor has not announced a plan for when or how to reach this vulnerable population with the state’s limited COVID-19 vaccinations.
Because of their high risk and role in bringing fresh produce to tables during the winter season, advocates and the state’s agriculture commissioner say they should be included in the next wave of shots.
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Commissioner Nikki Fried has “strongly advocated” that farmworkers and agriculture personnel be included in the “critical infrastructure category,” likely the next phase, wrote Franco Ripple, the agency’s communications director, in an email.