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.
The short film explores how certified B Corporations are working to weave environmental and social performance, transparency and accountability into their core mission
In recent years, discussions around the slowing growth rate of the U.S. labor force have intensified, igniting concerns over potential economic impacts.
First launched in February and gaining momentum, the American Association of AgLabor Providers aims to level up the professionalism of farm labor contractors.
While those in the fresh produce industry understand the ins and outs of the H-2A guest worker program, some misunderstanding still lingers among the general public.
The free and bilingual resource aims to protect agricultural workers while helping improve farm efficiencies.
Once designated as necessary labor during the pandemic, farmworkers insist their contributions are still critical despite some changing views.
The company says másData provides workers and growers easy-to-access information as well as automated reporting, notification of regulatory updates and more.
While the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Department of Labor’s administrative system for enforcing fines is unconstitutional, that doesn’t stop the department from pursuing H-2A penalties.
Scheduling can be rough at times in odd-shift occupations, but there are points in favor of sticking with work in the food industry, says columnist Armand Lobato.
The Bracero Program 2.0 Act aims to stabilize ag workforce by reforming and streamlining the H-2A program.
The department says the Mississippi-based company unlawfully favored H-2A visa holders over U.S. workers for ag employment.
While there have been no major disruptions, there’s some concern over the potential for immigration enforcement efforts to impact labor.
Launching Engagement 2.0, the program says these updates support suppliers and growers in adopting more responsible labor practices.
Nico Cabral, director of marketing for labor management software company FieldClock, discusses how simple efficiency tweaks through the use of technology can have a big impact on a farm’s bottom line.
A shrinking labor pool is already having an impact, and ag experts say it’s only going to get tougher.
Protestors clashed with federal agents performing immigration enforcement raids in the agricultural areas of Southern California.
In a letter addressed to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the organization asks the USDA to review allegations that farmworkers were coerced into signing union cards in exchange for grant money.
From SNAP benefit reform and fraud crackdown to the continuation of mass deportations with “no amnesty,” here’s how the USDA’s newly launched National Farm Security Action Plan may impact the fresh produce industry.
Washington and Oregon producers hope to avoid disruptions related to immigration enforcement.
This new department will be effective immediately and will provide strategic oversight and resource management for immigration-related work and will coordinate with other relevant federal agencies.
Farmworkers say colleagues choose not to return to fields out of fear saying, “If they show up to work, they don’t know if they will ever see their family again.”
Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer says she plans to work with other federal agencies to develop an emergency agency to process the backlog of H-2A applications.
Seven new members across different sectors — ag, sustainability, ethical sourcing, labor rights and consumer engagement — joined the board June 25.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins says the administration plans to announce some updates soon to make the guestworker program more efficient and easier to use.
The organization says the Department of Labor suspended enforcement of the rule following legal challenges.
The on-again, off-again reports regarding ICE raids is sowing confusion for those who rely on immigrant labor and causing labor shortages because employees aren’t showing up for work.
As the Adverse Effect Wage Rate continues to climb year after year for the H-2A guestworker program with little clarity on how the USDA calculates the rates, organizations are saying, “enough is enough.”
Equitable Food Initiative has launched a toolkit full of ready-to-use materials for Pollinator Week, June 16-22.
Technology’s impact on fresh produce isn’t only about making a change; it’s continued improvement.
It’s critical that ag employers take a closer look at documents employees supplied at time of hire to assess the potential risk of an ICE inspection.