Despite the democratization of South Africa in 1994, which
brought the agricultural sector within the ambit of legal
protection, farm workers remain vulnerable to an undue
burden of social and health problems. Alcohol abuse due
to the DOP system, pesticide poisonings, and other occupational
hazards illustrate that the likely success of efforts
at redress depends on a greater awareness of the rights and
justice dimensions of the health problems facing these
workers. International trade policies may exacerbate
inequalities that deprive them of opportunities to realize
their rights at national level. A public health agenda must
integrate into programs and policies to address the health
of farm workers the recognition that violations of their
rights underlie much of their burden of ill health. Key
words: farm workers; human rights; environmental justice;
pesticides; occupational exposures; alcohol.