Labor

Ag labor challenges in Michigan targeted in new survey

Ask any agricultural employer in Michigan to list their biggest concerns and there's a good chance labor ranks near the top. Attracting and retaining employees has long been a challenge for the food and agriculture... more »

Funds to build housing for farm workers offered by USDA

The USDA is seeking applications for funding to increase the supply of affordable housing for farm workers. Luis R. García, acting state director of USDA Rural Development in Puerto Rico, said that subject to the... more »

Emergency rules to protect workers from heat, smoke set in Washington state

On a Tuesday in June, Luis Cisneros stood on a metal ladder harvesting cherries in Washington's fertile Columbia Basin when temperatures reached almost 120 degrees Fahrenheit. After just a few minutes in the sun, the... more »

Rules change for unpaid leave faced by California employers

California employers need to be aware of significant changes to the California Family Rights Act that became effective at the start of 2021. For the first time, employers with fewer than 50 employees are subject... more »

California Workforce Development Board gives EFI two-year grant

Equitable Food Initiative, the workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer groups, announced Aug. 10 a two-year grant from the California Workforce Development Board awarded in conjunction with Measure... more »

Industry’s effort to protect farmworkers recognized by visit

United Fresh released the following statement regarding U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra’s July 23 visit to a farmworker COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Salinas, California, hosted by the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California... more »

‘Farm Fresh’ finds Western Growers saluting farmers, laborers

In “Farm Fresh,” a series of videos released July 20 on YouTube by Western Growers, salutes the skills and ingenuity of the farmers and farmworkers who work to bring food to America’s tables. In previews... more »

House panel backs relief for ag industry, expands labor access

Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Washington, released the following statement July 13 after the House Committee on Appropriations approved an amendment introduced by Newhouse and Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, to the Fiscal Year 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations Act.... more »