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.
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.
A federal judge rejected a request to block the interim final rule, keeping current wage structures intact for produce growers.
Nominated for her humility, leadership and communication skills, the crew foreman at Sierra Farms is one of only a few women in senior positions.
From field worker to Farmworker of the Year finalist, Rogelio Nabor Martinez’s 16-year career at Blue House Farm serves as a powerful story of technical mastery, personnel leadership and community advocacy for the modern agricultural professional.
Jesús Gutiérrez Manuel is a distinguished farmworker leader who combines 15 years of agricultural expertise with a background in nursing to advocate for innovation, food safety and the holistic well-being of his peers.
After passing the House 224-200, the farm bill is headed to the Senate, where SNAP funding could be another problematic topic.
The Equitable Food Initiative and The Packer have revealed the the top five nominees for the third annual award, recognizing the essential leaders who ensure the success and safety of the fresh produce industry.
Highlighting the urgent need for permanent legislative reform over temporary regulatory fixes, the NCAE CEO and president explains why the industry must press Congress for H-2A updates and farm-bill certainty.
Industry insiders say he brings ample experience working with agriculture from his previous roles.
As consulates tighten English requirements amid Department of Transportation English proficiency standards, a new testing bottleneck is leaving growers without vital roles filled.
In this webinar from the National Council of Agricultural Employers, experts Ruben Lugo and Jeanne Malitz offer a roadmap for managing new skill levels and housing adjustments.
A peer-reviewed study finds that infants born to farmworkers on Fair Food Program farms are 10% less likely to be born at a low birth weight.
The Wenatchee, Wash.-based grower says it has completed 48 worker-driven production improvement projects in the last year.
The retail-backed initiative provides tools for farm labor contractors to align with the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices.
A convergence of policy changes, holiday shutdowns, and increased application volume is leaving many growers waiting for critical harvest crews.
The April 2 session will break down the fast-tracked regulation allowing for skill-based wage tiers and housing adjustments that could save the fresh produce sector billions in H-2A labor costs.
The organization says it is offering social media graphics, sample posts and videos to highlight the vital role farmworkers play in the fresh produce industry.
Teresa McQueen, corporate counsel for Western Growers Association, shares best practices for reducing turnover, elevating company culture and becoming an employer of choice.
As Washington growers face rising costs and labor scarcity, a new partnership with Semillero de Ideas is transforming experienced harvesters into technical consultants to optimize orchard efficiency and automation.
Alexandra Martinez, senior digital marketing and sales associate with the Equitable Food Initiative, shares what makes a winning nomination and tips for the third annual award.
Attorney Shawn Packer shares how regulatory changes are affecting ag labor, compliance requirements and operational risks.
NCAE President John Hollay reports a change in how legislators and federal agencies view H-2A reform, pivoting toward a collaborative approach to protect the U.S. food economy.
Putting off letting go of the wrong employee often makes problems harder to fix later.
Legal expert Misty Wilson Borkowski explains why farmers must distinguish between ICE and Department of Labor visits and why preparation starts with the frontline staff.
Created to elevate farmworker voices and celebrate individuals whose contributions are essential to the success, safety and sustainability of the food system, the award — now in its third year — will be presented at The Packer’s West Coast Produce Expo, May 27-29 in Palm Desert, Calif.
As the industry transitions to an interim final rule and new wage methodologies, experts say the difference between a routine application and a costly audit lies in the fine print of job orders.