The Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association has joined with the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association (YFVA) to expand the Labor of Love program in California’s southern-most winter vegetable fields.

In addition, Holville-based Vessey & Company is the first California grower from the Imperial Valley to support the Labor of Love program.

In Fall 2015, YFVA launched the program in Yuma, Ariz. and followed farm workers into California’s Salinas Valley during the summer months before returning to the Yuma area in the fall.

According to YFVA, the purpose of the Labor of Love program is to thank farm workers for their service to the agricultural industry and by sharing their talents, loyalty, and incredible work ethic through social media and the Labor of Love websites.

Labor of Love visited the Vessey ranch on Jan. 17, surprising workers with a catered meal and a random act of kindness basket, plus a handwritten note from community members.

For more information, contact Susan Sternitzke at (928) 246-9255 (cell) and [email protected].