WASHINGTON - Marylandian -- 2025 NATIONAL LONG-SLEEVE SHIRT DRIVE
NATIONAL FARMWORKER AWARENESS WEEK

Washington, DC – Each year, U.S. farms, forests, and landscapes use 1 billion pounds of pesticides, exposing farmworkers—who feed the nation—to serious health risks. The EPA estimates that 10,000–20,000 pesticide poisonings occur annually among the country's two million agricultural workers. Heat-related illnesses are also a major concern: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 33,890 work-related heat illnesses from 2011 to 2020, with 479 fatalities from 2011 to 2022—figures likely underestimated due to underreporting.

During National Farmworker Awareness Week (March 23–31, 2025), the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP) will host its annual National Long-Sleeve Shirt Drive, aiming to collect over 20,000 shirts through a network of 75+ partners. These long-sleeved shirts will help protect farmworkers from pesticide exposure and heat-related illness and will be distributed alongside health and safety training and educational materials through AFOP's network of 150+ trainers nationwide.

More on Marylandian

• Phinge CEO Ranked #1 Globally by Crunchbase for the Last Week, Will Be in Las Vegas Jan. 4-9, the Week of CES to Discuss Netverse & IPO Coming in 2026
• Women's Everyday Safety Is Changing - The Blue Luna Shows How
• Microgaming Unveils Red Papaya: A New Studio Delivering Cutting-Edge, Feature-Rich Slots
• Daily News Wrap-Up: Experiential Learning & more from the Price of Business Network- Dec 17, 2025
• 5-Star Duncan Injury Group Expands Personal Injury Representation to Arizona

Since 2014, AFOP has distributed more than 129,528 long-sleeve shirts nationwide. In 2025, donations can be made at over 100 locations, including Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. To find a drop-off site, visit afop.org/nfaw. "Giving farmworkers long-sleeve shirts is great and can be life-saving. But the most rewarding part is collecting them and educating people about the vital role of migrant farmworkers in our country, state, and local economy." – Jody Stutzman, Proteus Regional Director in Nebraska.

• DROP-OFF LOCATIONS: Please find the nearest drop-off location to you on our website: https://afop.org/nfaw

"National Farmworker Awareness Week is more than just a time for awareness—it's a call to action. Each donated shirt is a symbol of protection, respect, and appreciation for the hands that feed our nation. Together, we can make a difference, one long-sleeve shirt and one conversation at a time." – Melanie Forti, AFOP Health & Safety Programs Director

More on Marylandian

• The End of "Influencer" Gambling: Bonusetu Analyzes Finland's Strict New Casino Marketing Laws
• AI-Driven Cybersecurity Leader Gains Industry Recognition, Secures $6M Institutional Investment, Builds Momentum Toward $16M Annual Run-Rate Revenue
• TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing Now Ranks #1 in San Jose
• Milwaukee Job Corps Center Hosts Alumni Day, Calls Alumni to Action on Open Enrollment Campaign
•  Maryland Horse Industry Board Awards Grant Recipients for 2026

Follow us on all social media platforms as @afophealth.

About AFOP:  The Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs is a non-profit, national federation of 51 non-profit and public agencies that provide training and employment services to migrant and seasonal farm workers. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all farmworkers and their families through advocacy, education, and training AFOP's mission is to improve the quality of life for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their families by providing advocacy for the member organizations that serve them. That means securing the same rights and benefits for farmworkers that
the rest of the American people enjoy. For media inquiries, contact Melanie Forti at (202) 963-3200 or forti@afop.org.