The Sprout: Change needed to prevent more farm-worker deaths: deputy coroner By Kelsey Johnson. Published on Apr 28, 2021 12:36pm A migrant worker sifts through a trailer load of beets in this file photo, a new deputy coroner's report in Ontario includes 35 recommendations to improve conditions for migrant farm workers. (Jim Rankin/Toronto Star) Here’s today’s agriculture news. The Lead A deputy chief coroner’s report on the deaths of three migrant farm workers in Ontario last year from the coronavirus says better oversight is needed of workers’ living conditions and they need better access to health care. As CBC News reports, Reuven R. Jhirad’s report includes 35 recommendations, including better communication between governments and agencies involved in the process of bringing temporary agricultural workers to Canada each year and, farm workers should also be considered a high priority group for COVID-19 vaccinations. CBC reports, the deputy coroner’s report also calls for open work permits to allow workers more freedom to move to different work sites during the growing season.