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.
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.