Workers sort tomatoes at a Palmetto packinghouse.

The Redlands Christian Migrant Association and the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association have established an independent organization that aims to encourage fruit and vegetable growers to follow an established employer code of conduct. The non-profit Socially Accountable Farm Employers (SAFE) organization will provide independent certification of companies that adhere to general employment practices and specific issues such as forced labor, child labor, discrimination, wages and benefits, employment records, workplace safety and housing. SAFE hopes to begin certifying growers by the end of the year.

On the web: www.safeagemployer.org