DELTA, CANADA - WINDSET FARMS® is proud to celebrate the nomination of Franklin “Frankie” Rolando Carrillo Rodas as a finalist for the 2025 Farmworker of the Year Award, presented during the West Coast Produce Expo this past week.

Franklin’s nomination is a milestone not only for his personal journey but also for Windset Farms’ continued commitment to worker empowerment and ethical labor practices. As the first greenhouse operation in North America to earn its Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certification, Windset is preparing to celebrate its 10-year anniversary with the program! EFI is a proud sponsor of the Farmworker of the Year award.

“Franklin embodies the values at the heart of our EFI certification,” said Tony Pacheco, Franklin’s manager, who nominated him for the award, in a recent press release. “He started with us nine years ago as one of our first temporary foreign workers, coming from Guatemala to our Canadian greenhouse. From the start he stood out, not just for his work ethic, but for his drive to grow, support others, and break down cultural barriers.”

Franklin began working in the greenhouse and quickly advanced to the grading and shipping department. Along the way, he taught himself English and began translating for both workers and managers. In his current role, where most of his coworkers speak Punjabi, Franklin has also started learning the language to better connect with the team. He is known for mentoring new workers and easing their transition into life and work in a new country.

“Franklin was the first of our temporary foreign workers to get a Canadian driver’s license and buy his own car,” said Pacheco. “That simple but powerful act encouraged others to believe they could do it too. His leadership goes far beyond his job title.”

LeAnne Ruzzamenti, Director of Marketing Communications at EFI, said Franklin’s story exemplifies the purpose behind the Farmworker of the Year Award: “Not only does the award celebrate Franklin's individual dedication and commitment, it underscores Windset Farms' dedication to a robust employee engagement program and reinforces their leadership in responsible sourcing.”

While many finalists of the Grow the Good award were noted for their openness and willingness to learn, Franklin’s nomination stood out for his leadership, multilingual efforts, and personal determination. He is also in the process of applying for permanent residency in Canada with Windset’s full support and a permanent role waiting for him.

As Windset approaches 10 years of EFI certification, Franklin’s story is a reflection of what’s possible when workers are empowered, heard, and supported. His nomination is not only a proud moment for him but a celebration of the values Windset has been championing for.