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 Department of Labor says the rule focuses on strengthening protections for temporary agricultural workers and enhancing the department’s capabilities to monitor program compliance and take actions against violators.
A multistate project uses artificial intelligence and hyperspectral imaging to understand the data behind sweetpotato quality with the hope of developing a tool to help producers and processors.
In the heart of California’s agricultural landscape lies the Salinas Valley, renowned as the “Salad Bowl of the World,” which yields a bounty of fresh produce and plays a pivotal role in shaping the global food market.
The Department of Labor is moving closer to publishing a proposed rule to reducing the health risks of heat exposure for U.S. workers in outdoor and indoor settings.
“Skyrocketing labor costs driven by an unrealistic, unsustainable federal government calculation pose a critical threat ...” said Michigan Agri-Business Association President Chuck Lippstreu.
Georgia growers expect a strong spring/summer season despite a late start in some regions caused by heavier-than-usual spring rains.
A lively panel at the West Coast Produce Expo looked at the current state of produce retail, consumer trends and future challenges.
The International Fresh Produce Association has released two new reports that it says underscore the impact of the agricultural labor crisis on the fresh produce industry and the U.S.’s food security.
The Southeastern Legal Foundation says it is leading the fight in a new lawsuit challenging a Department of Labor requirement that compels agricultural employers to allow H-2A workers to unionize.
The National Council of Agricultural Employers has filed a brief of amicus curiae in support of Wonderful Nurseries’ fight against California’s “unjust and unsafe” card-check law, the group said.
From climate change to labor rights to gender equality, the World Banana Forum is set to explore key sustainability issues impacting the banana industry at the Fourth Global Conference of the World Banana Forum.
A bipartisan coalition of 30 U.S. House members is urging Agriculture Committee leaders to prioritize federal support for specialty crop mechanization research and development in the 2024 farm bill.
The all-items index rose 3.2% for the 12 months ending February, a greater rise than the 3.1% increase for the 12 months ending January, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report.
U.S. Apple Association board members discussed the importance of regaining export markets, the impact of proposed regulations for the H-2A program and more.
Mexico’s blueberry production in 2024 is forecast to rise 8% over 2023, according to a new USDA report.
Members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture have encouraged federal agencies to develop strategies that address agricultural labor shortages across the country.
The Hass Avocado Board’s recent avocado holiday retail recap showed strong Independence Day and Labor Day sales, as customers purchased more than 2 million bagged avocados in the third quarter.
The funds, awarded to the International Labor Organization, support the use of systems to promote fundamental labor rights and acceptable work conditions, including an end to forced labor in supply chains.
Bluewhite, an Israel-based agricultural robot-as-a-service company enabling data-driven autonomous farming, says it works with more than 20 of the leading permanent crop growers in the U.S.
When a store’s produce operations turn into disaster, “savior” managers are needed to right the ship — but their methods and personalities aren’t what some expect from a department leader, says columnist Armand Lobato.
A research report from Skyquest released this year forecasts the U.S. cold storage market will grow from $43.2 billion in 2023 to $118.8 billion by 2031.
VIDEO: Todd Fryhover, president of the Washington Apple Commission, who will retire this year after 18 years with the organization, talks about the apple industry’s future and shares some career highlights.
Oppy anticipates normal harvest timing for cherries, with the first pick of its Orchard View cherries in Oregon set for June 13.
The Packer’s Sustainable Produce Summit is once again co-located with West Coast Produce Expo, set to provide the fresh produce industry three days rich in educational and networking opportunities, May 30 to June 1.
Countless consumers continue to crave greenhouse produce, whether it’s grown as far north as Canada or south to Arizona.
Nut and dried fruit suppliers and trade associations are launching memorable marketing campaigns designed to appeal to millennial and Gen Z shoppers who are strong snackers.
The International Fresh Produce Association and other groups have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Labor’s recently finalized H-2A rule.
The event will highlight findings from a recent symposium that explored the future of the U.S. agricultural workforce.
“Attendees at this year’s labor forum will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts and help shape the future of ag labor in the United States,” said Michael Marsh, president and CEO of the organization.
Since being confirmed on Feb. 13, Secretary Rollins has been in the Washington D.C., USDA office for a few hours. Most of her time has been spent visiting farmers, ranchers and ag businesses in Kentucky, Kansas and at Top Producer Summit.