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LAS VEGAS — Election-year politics will present a big challenge to reform efforts for H-2A regulations, but growers must be prepared to lobby for changes in the increasingly important farm labor program.

A two-year study of the Equitable Food Initiative’s workforce development program found benefits to both companies and employees.

Seeking wage relief for U.S. growers using foreign guest workers, the National Council of Agricultural Employers still wants the U.S. Department of Labor to determine if U.S. workers are hurt by the H-2A program.

Though unlikely to get much support from Democrats, a bill from Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla.), aims to establish a year-round ag guest-worker program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

After 164 migrant workers at an Ontario asparagus farm tested positive for COVID-19 about halfway through harvest season, farm leaders worked with the local health department to contain the spread.

Recommendations on protecting agriculture workers from exposure to the coronavirus have been issued by the U.S. government.

A California startup, Vinergy Inc., has equipment it says will improve vineyard efficiency by reducing a labor-intensive part of harvest — transporting grapes to the end of rows.

Three federal agencies are hosting a web seminar to update food companies on COVID-19 pandemic operating guidelines.

The California Fresh Fruit Association and California Farmworker Foundation have distributed more than 50,000 N-95 masks and single-use surgical masks to agricultural workers in the Central San Joaquin Valley.

The first session of Stronger Together U.S.’s responsible recruitment webinar series explores how to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.