What's Happening?
The Colorado State University Prison Agriculture Lab is actively working to address the lack of comprehensive data on agricultural labor within the U.S. prison system. Led by Joshua Sbicca and Carrie Chennault, the lab aims to create a national database
that highlights how agricultural labor and products are integrated into the prison system. The lab's efforts are not only focused on data collection but also on amplifying the voices of those most affected by these practices. The lab collaborates with students across various disciplines to produce research that informs the public about the agricarceral-industrial complex and its broader implications on the incarceration system.
Why It's Important?
The work of the Prison Agriculture Lab is significant as it sheds light on the often-overlooked intersection of agriculture and incarceration. By providing data and insights into how prison labor is utilized in agriculture, the lab's research could influence public policy and reform efforts aimed at addressing labor practices within the prison system. This research is crucial for understanding the economic benefits that state or private interests may derive from forced labor, and it could lead to increased transparency and accountability in how prisons operate. The lab's focus on centering the experiences of those impacted by the carceral system also highlights the ethical considerations surrounding prison labor.
What's Next?
The lab plans to continue its research and data collection efforts, with a focus on partnering with individuals who have been impacted by the carceral system. This includes incorporating perspectives from currently and formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. The lab aims to use its findings to advocate for changes in the prison system, potentially influencing policy reforms that address the use of forced labor in agriculture. As the lab expands its research, it may also explore additional projects that further examine the relationship between the prison system and agricultural practices.
