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.
Joe Del Bosque, CEO of Del Bosque Farms in Firebaugh, Calif., spoke with Michelle Rook of AgriTalk Radio earlier today to discuss how the U.S. government’s immigration crackdown is impacting California farmers.
It’s important to have a plan in place before it’s too late, said Vanessa Frank, an immigration attorney working in Ventura County, Calif.
After a week of ICE seemingly targeting dairy farms, California produce farms and a meat packing plant in Nebraska, President Donald Trump is reportedly ordering the Department of Homeland Security to exclude farms from immigration raids.
From families broken to rising food prices to reduced access to fresh food and food waste, the ripple effect of Trump’s immigration crackdown on agriculture could be far reaching, says the Emerald Packaging CEO.
Katie and Manuel Vargas, sixth-generation apple growers in Michigan, share the challenge their family faces with rising cost of labor.
There are no policy changes under way to exempt farm, hotel and other leisure workers from President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a day after the U.S. president vowed to issue an order for such workers.
While the president didn’t share any specific details on future plans, produce industry organizations say it’s a step in the right direction.
With the goal of delivering top-quality grapes to consumers, Sun World International has formed a strategic partnership with Clarifresh, to use its AI-powered quality management software for fresh food.
President Donald Trump said he would issue an order to address the effects of the immigration crackdown on farm workers but did not specify what changes would be implemented.
In its first program report, participants show strengths in occupational safety and health but seek to develop better communication and worker protections.
The organization said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents attempted to enter a local packing facility without a warrant, conducted operations in agriculture fields and initiated vehicle stops on roads used by agricultural workers.
While there has been plenty of talk in Washington about sovling lingering labor challenges, industry leaders are calling for real progress to alleviate the burden on growers.
“We must ensure that we make a way for young and beginning farmers to fill our boots,” said Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.
The Dole Food Company signed private-public agreements to expand its Dole Information and Wellbeing Centers, which improve the quality of life for ag workers in rural areas.
Michael Marsh, the president and CEO of the National Council of Agricultural Employers, remains optimistic that growers will see some relief from the rising and onerous Adverse Effect Wage Rate.
The company’s CEO says the acquisition helps specialty crop growers better manage operations through data.
The National Council of Agricultural Employers says it has highlighted seven burdensome rules as a Department of Justice task force seeks input on regulations that impede economic growth.
“Frankie” is a quick learner and team player and has an eagerness to grow that made him stand out at Windset Farms.
Celebrating 40 years with Lakeside Organic Gardens earlier this year, Orozco is a pillar of the operation through his leadership and dedication.
“Rafa,” who has worked in sanitation for Stemilt Growers for over 16 years, has an interest in learning new things and accepts change with optimism.
The respected crew foreman’s 20-year agricultural journey showcases her intelligence, humility and commitment to uplifting her coworkers and improving company processes for the good of all.
The resilient and joyful farmworker’s dedication, optimism and care for both plants and people make her an inspiring example of strength through adversity.
LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications with the Equitable Food Initiative, highlights this year’s award, and shares the critical role farmworkers play in the fresh produce industry and why it’s important to recognize them.
Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, shares how many factors have impacted the current state of ag labor in the fresh produce industry in this Fresh Produce Fridays segment.
While some states have lowered the hourly threshold for overtime in agriculture, growers say they can’t afford to pick some crops and have cut worker hours to stay profitable.
Farm’s nominator praised its support of farmworkers and its development as people, not just employees.
The nonprofit has spearheaded and supported efforts to improve labor practices across the fresh produce industry, including $25 million in worker bonuses.
In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the National Council of Agriculture Employers says the pause in payments have left growers with significant out-of-pocket expenses.
During Farmworker Awareness Week, the workforce development and certification organization is promoting the importance of skilled workers in the agriculture industry.
Rising wages have made an already complicated — but critical — guestworker program almost too costly to participate, forcing growers to leave the industry or relocate production outside the U.S.