Rafael Teran Melchor Named 2025 Farmworker of the Year

Rafael Teran Melchor of Stemilt Growers has been named the 2025 recipient of the Farmworker of the Year Award, a national recognition program that honors farmworkers for their exceptional leadership, contributions and impact on the fresh produce industry.

Now in its second year, the award was created by the Equitable Food Initiative to shine a spotlight on the people who form the backbone of the agricultural workforce. This initiative ensures that the underrecognized voices and accomplishments of farmworkers are elevated and celebrated.

Rafael, who has worked at Stemilt Growers for nearly 17 years, has been in agriculture for 23 years and is widely respected for his thoughtful mentorship and calm, solutions-oriented approach.

Working in the sanitation department, he goes above and beyond what is asked of him by participating in numerous trainings, such as first aid, CPR, forklift, chemical handling and safety response, as well as attending the Food Safety & Sanitation Workshop.

Finalists included: Franklin Rolando Carrillo Rodas, Windset Farms; Guadalupe Huerta de Jesus, Frutos de Huerta Real for Sunset; Rene Orozco, Lakeside Organic Gardens; and María Bárbara Reséndiz Martínez, Sierra Farms for GoodFarms.