Labor
The produce industry is grappling with a critical labor shortage and the escalating costs of the H-2A program, which are squeezing margins for growers, packers and shippers. Increasing regulatory pressures, such as new state-level overtime laws and wage mandates, are further driving the sector toward automation and legislative advocacy. This collection of insights explores how to optimize labor management and maintain operational efficiency in an increasingly complex landscape.
California grower associations warn of severe economic consequences after the state enacts a new $19.75 hourly wage floor for seasonal and domestic agricultural employees.
Backed by more than 600 agricultural groups, Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson details the urgent need for H-2A guest worker updates and his plan for year-end passage.
A survey of growers at the Great Lakes Tek Flex show rising labor costs drive tree fruit and vegetable farmers toward autonomous tools, but high prices and financial risk push many to rely on independent research before buying.
Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson says the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act faces a post-election delay until November, but growers can force a vote during the lame-duck session by demanding H-2A updates with a united voice.
Legal expert Chris Schulte breaks down why a judge rejected the Department of Labor’s proposed wage percentiles and housing adjustments, as well as how the department could respond.
Administrative compliance, midseason labor shifts and political disconnects leave produce growers absorbing heavy financial risks with zero market leverage.
Industry leaders are urging immediate action on ag labor reform following a major legal setback for Department of Labor wage rules.
Agricultural leaders welcome the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act while warning that severe consular delays could undermine grower gains.
NCAE’s John Hollay discusses the fallout of the SCOTUS ruling on Haitian and Syrian immigrants, urging Congress to pass the Securing Agricultural Workforce Act.
The sweeping legislative package targets rapid corporate consolidation in the agriculture sector while forcing major food companies to provide fair wages and safer working conditions.
House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson argues that replacing seasonal requirements with a 350-day temporary status offers year-round producers H-2A program access and workers a guaranteed “two-week vacation” for family time.
Two blueberry farm laborers resolve federal human trafficking and labor violation claims against First Pick Farms and additional defendants.
To combat rising input costs and fragmented farm data, Innov8.ag’s HarvestReplay platform aims to eliminate risk for specialty crop operations.
With 400 groups in lockstep, Chairman G.T. Thompson’s labor bill moves to the House Judiciary Committee. The goal: Open year-round H-2A access for the first time since the program’s creation in 1986 and cap mandatory wage hikes.
Leading agricultural economists warn that escalating wages and chronic labor shortages are forcing a dramatic shift in how fruits and vegetables make it to grocery shelves.
The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act promises to expand visa access and tackle unprecedented agricultural labor shortages.
A combination of rising foreign imports and a domestic labor crisis is squeezing Southeast produce growers, creating what industry leaders call a direct threat to U.S. food security.
The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act aims to redefine temporary labor, providing a potential lifeline to specialty crop sectors teetering on a workforce tipping point.
The updated toolkit helps workers and supervisors recognize and respond to heat-related emergencies with an outline to prevent heat illnesses at different temperature levels.
Fresh from securing key advocacy wins, the International Fresh Produce Association CEO brought a clear message to the recent Washington Conference: The produce industry’s voice is actively shaping federal policy, but the fight for fresh is far from over.
From H-2A wage rules to state regulations, the produce industry says escalating labor costs are eating into grower profits and reshaping the future of specialty crop farming.
John Hollay of the National Council of Agriculture Employers says growers who once avoided the guest worker program as a financial headache see benefits to participation.
Webinar details why missing dates and wrong forms are no longer considered minor technical errors under updated federal enforcement guidelines.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson has introduced the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at reforming ag labor and the H-2A visa program by controlling costs, expanding access and reducing red tape.
At IFPA’s Washington Conference, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and industry leaders call for urgent action to support struggling family farms, protect domestic farmland and reclaim America’s economic independence.
GoodFarms crew foreman Maria Barbara Resendiz Martinez and Stemilt Growers crew leader Jesús Gutiérrez Manuel earn top honors from the Equitable Food Initiative and The Packer.
In its second annual report, ECIP shows deepening participation and engagement across the industry’s supply chain when it comes to strengthening the approach to labor.