The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Cesar Chavez's induction into its "Hall of Heroes."

According to the USDA, the Hall of Heroes recognizes people or organizations who have made an impact on agriculture and U.S. rural communities.

"This year marks the 50th anniversary of the hunger strike Chavez led to bring justice and equality to the people who feed America," said USDA secretary Tom Vilsack. "[The USDA] is humbled to honor to Cesar Chavez, the man who led and organized peaceful, positive change for American farmworkers."

Chavez is known for being a union leader and labor organizer who challenged for improved working conditions for many migrant workers. He founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962, which would merge with the Agricultural Workers Organization Committee to form the United Farm Workers, which still exists today.

"I applaud the USDA for honoring the legacy of a great American," said Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nevada, in a statement. "Cesar Chavez dedicated his life to improving the working conditions of our nation's farmworkers. His inclusion in the USDA's Hall of Heroes will serve as a reminder that we must do everything within our reach to ensure that those who help put food on our tables are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and can provide for their own families."

Joining Chavez in the Hall of Heroes is Dr. Mary-Dell Chilton, one of the founders of the modern plant biotechnology.

"Both Cesar Chavez and Dr. Mary-Dell Chilton dedicated their public and private lives to improving various facets of food and agriculture," said Vilsack. "The abundant, resilient and diverse food supply that Americans are fortunate to rely on today is a direct result of their commitments and innovations, and I am honored to add these inspiring individuals among USDA's Hall of Heroes."

The Hall of Heroes was established in September 2000, and plaques recognizing Chavez and Chilton will be located in the USDA's Jamie L. Whitten Federal Building.

Last March, the USDA also recognized Chavez by naming a courtyard in his name outside USDA's headquarters in Washington, D.C.

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