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.
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.
UnitedAg’s wellness centers across California’s Central Valley are trying to break down health care barriers to farmworkers through a holistic, people-focused strategy.
The California-based company says while outreach to customers is important, so too is telling the story of its employees and employment opportunities.
Following a key federal court victory, attorney Gonzalo Peralta explains why the “legal buffer” defense failed to protect a Michigan blueberry operation from human trafficking claims.
The debate over immigration and ag labor reform has been a political hot potato for decades now and has led to inaction by Congress, but leaders of the House and Senate Ag Committees say they are making it a priority for 2026.
Conflict on the farm is a normal part of working with people, and if it’s addressed early and handled respectfully, it can help teams work better together.
After years of unsustainable labor costs the industry welcomes an interim final rule that offers immediate financial relief and a path toward long-term stability.
As H-2A costs climb toward $30 an hour, Western Growers’ Walt Duflock warns that half of California’s farmers could disappear by 2052 without a revolution in harvest tech.
The Packer’s 2025 labor coverage kicked off with Christina Herrick’s labor series, and there was much more to read.
The threat of raids on agricultural operations hit hard during the summer of 2025, and it will likely continue in 2026.
A recent webinar explores how a tight labor market reduces domestic production and ultimately puts upward pressure on food pricing.
The National Council of Agricultural Employers says the state’s Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act strips American farmers and ranchers of their First Amendment rights.
The act calls for codifying the recent change in the methodology for calculating the Adverse Effect Wage Rate and streamlining the H-2A visa process.