Bold Claims from a Favorite Cereal

Cascadian Farm Organic Granola has for years been one of my favorite choices for breakfast cereal or simply a quick snack on the go.  In fact, I try to keep a box in my car at all times for just this very reason.  Needless to say, I have been supporting this company through my actions as a consumer for years, and have done so without any hesitation.  The product advertises that it is organic, non-GMO, and perhaps most importantly fair-trade.  None of these claims were a cause for question, however, until I read the book "Fresh Fruit, Broken Bodies" by Seth Holmes.

The book follows the plight of migrant farm workers in the Skagit Valley, WA, the same location where Cascadian Farm produces it's grains.  After hearing about the deplorable conditions migrant workers are subject to, I wonder about the practices being carried out at Cascadian Farms.  Who makes up their work force? Are they receiving fair wages?  Do they have access to health care? These are all things that come into question upon completing Holmes book.

Now to be fair, I have no evidence to say that Cascadian Farm is anything but what their box claims to be.  However, I think it is important to question these things and take them beyond their face value.  It is clear from reading the book that the plight of migrant workers was not limited to the Tanaka farm and in fact was wide spread throughout the Skagit Valley.  I'm interested to look further into this matter before I continue purchasing and supporting this company.  If anyone has any insights please don't hesitate to comment!