Stanford University Asked Not to Renew Farming Tenant's Land Lease

SAN JOSE-An agricultural farm that has operated on Stanford University-owned land since 1922 may be looking for another row to hoe this year. The University has not yet decided whether it will renew the lease of the Webb Ranch farm when it expires on Aug. 31, and there is substantial pressure not to coming from Stanford’s students and faculty.

The ranch continues to be accused of paying workers unfair wages, not providing health benefits and providing unsafe living and working conditions. The student newspaper this spring reported that prior to a new contract singed last year, workers earned between minimum wage and $7.33 per hour while grounds workers at Stanford start at twice the wages Webb workers receive, and they also receive full benefits.