Training day comes as Valley farmers prepare to harvest grapes

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif (KFSN) -- Grapes are one of the Valley's top producing crops. Soon, farms across Central California will begin harvesting. And technology changes in farming mean a greater need for safety training before the work begins.

Whether in English or Spanish, agricultural workers learned safety needs to remain a top priority this harvest season.

Manuel Cunha said, "Before the raisin and wine harvesting really starts rolling, we do safety training on the equipment that is used in the vineyards. So the workers know how to handle the equipment, how to service the equipment, clean the equipment and operate it in the field."

Manuel Cunha is president of the Nisei Farmers League, one of the sponsors of the training. He says with vineyards using mechanical harvesting, the danger can increase, as the large machinery shakes, picks and lays out grapes.

Employees came from throughout the Central Valley to train, including Mark Bliss who brought four mechanics from Merced.

"So I think this is going to open their eyes up," said Bliss. "They're going to see what the machine can do, the injuries that can happen. And they'll be able to think twice before something happens."

Harvesting has already begun at some vineyards in Fresno County, an early sign of what's to come.

Ryan Jacobsen with the Fresno County Farm Bureau said, "Depending on the variety, we're looking anywhere from 10-14 days above average because we had a very early spring, it was very warm spring, very little precipitation all that led to vine growth and it's been a good growing season so far."

Despite the warmer weather, farmers say they'll have to wait until they get out in the field to see how the drought has impacted this year's crop.

Organizers say this training really helps kick off the harvest season. They hope the farm workers will remember these valuable lessons and stay safe this season.