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.
“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.
Data from the Northwest Horticultural Council shows that 99% of tree fruit growers’ gross returns for the 2023 season went to labor, which those in the produce industry say is at a make-or-break point.
Questions about water availability have likely caused some produce growers to be conservative in the acreage they plant for the coming season.
Plaintiffs argued the regulation is unconstitutional and extends beyond the reach of the Department of Labor’s statutory authority.
GlobalGAP North America will host the March 25 Stronger Together online training course, which will feature interactive learning through group discussions and exercises.
Luke Parr, farm manager for Michigan-based Sackett Ranch, says the Tomra optical sorting machines can do multiple processes at once.
The education opportunities focus on topics such as worker protections, responsible labor practices, understanding retailer sustainability requirements and more.
Continued inflation industrywide, coupled with an unfavorable exchange for growers, is making life difficult for growers and distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables from West Mexico.
The national task force aims to develop a series of evidence-based policy recommendations to improve labor recruitment and employment conditions for farmworkers.
Carbon Robotics founder and CEO Paul Mikesell talks about barriers growers face to implementing technology and the importance of data in agriculture’s future in this “Tip of the Iceberg” podcast episode.
Most produce departments’ busiest period will begin around Memorial Day, and every business is looking for help amid a labor shortage. And if you have the people, there’s more still to do, says columnist Armand Lobato.
The USDA’s Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program supports more than 177 unique agriculture operations and more than 11,000 workers.
Pacific Tomato Growers, a Palmetto, Fla.-based tomato grower-packer-shipper, has been awarded $1.7 million through the USDA’s Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection pilot grant program.