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.
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.
EFI and The Packer will present the award, recognizing and amplifying the contributions of farmworkers. Deadline for nominations is Feb 28.
The interactive webinar, titled “ICE, ICE Maybe?” will offer attendees actionable steps to take to prepare for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Department of Homeland Security actions.
The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance said they will sign the agreement on March 11.
Equitable Food Initiative has released an online toolkit to help companies and individuals plan for National Farmworker Awareness Week March 25-31.
President Trump’s focus on mass deportation is creating a sense of nervousness that hasn’t been felt since the Obama Administration. Yet, the bigger concern is a H-2A system that’s become too costly for many farmers to use.
The workforce development and certification organization is touting the success and rapid growth of the Ethical Charter Implementation Program.
A Farm Bureau analysis shows the combined field and livestock worker wage rate nationally is up 3.2% from a year ago.
The union and employers face a Jan. 15 deadline to avoid a second strike.
The organization responded to news reports of unease among farm employees and said it has not heard of widespread workforce disruption.
Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt Growers, joins LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communication for the Equitable Food Initiative, to share ways to celebrate the vital role of farmworkers.