Land Stewardship and Food Wisdom
Across Migration.
“The Pan Valley Institute (PVI) has launched a year-long multimedia campaign to honor the rich history and vital contributions of immigrants, refugees, Indigenous peoples, and people of color to regional agriculture, sustainable local economies, and the vibrant food culture in California’s Central Valley. Through this work, we will show how diverse communities have shaped the region’s food culture, not only through farm labor but also through Indigenous land stewardship, the introduction of new crops and practices, and the preservation and evolution of culinary traditions. We are not going backwards. We are remembering. We are reclaiming who we are.”
Myrna Martinez
Founding Program Director
Did you know?
Upcoming Events
Salt of the Earth Campaign
We warmly welcome you to celebrate the launch of the Campaign.
Campaña Sal de la Tierra
Les damos una cálida bienvenida para celebrar el lanzamiento de la Campaña.
Why is this campaign is important and why it matters now?
“As the Central Valley faces growing environmental and economic challenges, the Salt of the Earth Campaign reminds us that the solutions are rooted in the knowledge, cultures, and lived experiences of the people who have stewarded this land for generations. By bringing people together to learn, share stories, and take collective action, the campaign inspires communities to build a more just, resilient, and sustainable future.”
Estela Galvan
PVI Coordinator
“The Salt of the Earth Campaign” brings to light and gives voice to the story of those who grow, harvest, and produce food for our local communities and deserve to be recognized, honored and celebrated in all ways possible. While it is common for agricultural workers and their communities in rural areas to be left out of the conversation or “left behind”, this Campaign seeks to celebrate and give recognition to the knowledge and strength of these individuals as well as contribute to changing the narrative which often makes them invisible. Storytelling has many forms of expression and can bring people together, keep the past alive through memories, and promote collective action to create a better future for everyone.”
Joshua Slack
PVI Cultural Organizer
There are many ways to support the Salt of the Earth Campaign
and contribute to building food, land, and climate justice in the Central Valley
Join our storytelling initiative by sharing stories about immigrant, refugee, Indigenous, and people of color knowledge of traditional farming practices, environmental care, and family recipes with deep. Submit here.
Listen to our campaign podcast here (or on the streaming platform of your choice), which features powerful, first-person stories from immigrants, refugees, farmworkers, Indigenous communities, and food entrepreneurs.
Follow us on social media and share our content with your networks.
Use the hashtag #SaltOfTheEarthCV to join the conversation and help change the narratives about immigrants, refugees, and farmworkers
Keep posted using the “Events” tab above and make sure to tell all your friends!
Sign petitions, contact your elected officials, and participate in advocacy campaigns that support farmworker rights, immigrant protections, and environmental justice in the Central Valley.
Contribute your time and skills to support campaign efforts, such as helping at events, translating materials, and providing technical or event support for multimedia projects. (see button below to sign up)
Contribute funds and share resources with us to support community storytellers, produce high-quality content, and expand our reach. Your supportis an act of solidarity that makes change and sustainability possible. (see button below)
Use our curriculum materials to share these stories in classrooms and with learners. Host screenings and discussions with our content to engage the broader community.