Activists Delivered Petition to Costa Farms

A coalition of groups presented nearly 3,000 signatures demanding better labor conditions for nursery workers.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Botany

Activists Delivered Petition to Costa Farms

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Should large agricultural companies be required to provide enhanced labor protections for their workers?

On September 8, 2026, activists delivered a petition with nearly 3,000 signatures to various Costa Farms locations across the United States. The movement seeks to pressure the nursery company to adopt the Planting Justice Program.

Why it matters

The campaign aims to secure higher wages, heat protections, and safer working conditions for laborers in an industry that generates $50 billion in annual revenue. Many of these employees work under the federal H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program.

The petition collection began in June 2026 following the release of the Human Cost of Houseplants report. The effort follows long-standing labor concerns in the $50 billion houseplant industry.

The players

WeCount

This is a labor rights organization that focuses on advocating for improved working conditions and environmental protections for agricultural workers.

Costa Farms

This large-scale horticultural company produces a wide variety of houseplants and operates facilities across several U.S. states.

The details

Campaigners from a coalition of labor, faith, and community groups hand-delivered the petitions to company offices as part of a coordinated Day of Action. The movement is led by WeCount, which previously organized a heat ordinance campaign in Miami-Dade in 2021.

2001: Costa Farms expanded operations into North Carolina.
2021: WeCount organized a heat ordinance campaign in Miami-Dade.
February 2026: The Human Cost of Houseplants report was released.
June 2026: The Costa Farms petition was officially launched.
September 8, 2026: Petitions were delivered to Costa Farms offices.

The Big Picture

This campaign highlights ongoing scrutiny regarding the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program and its application to the horticulture sector. It reflects a broader trend of labor advocacy groups challenging standard industry practices.

Increased pressure on large horticultural firms could lead to changes in pricing or product availability for consumers who purchase houseplants. Better labor protections may eventually influence how companies manage their supply chains and internal operations.

The takeaway

The campaign underscores a shift toward higher public expectations for transparency and worker safety in the horticultural supply chain. Consumers interested in ethical products may choose to investigate the labor practices of the nurseries behind their houseplants.