Labor

Michigan health order keeps most COVID testing rules in place

A new Michigan Department of Health an Human Services order that finally accounts for the COVID-19 vaccination status of agricultural workers is presenting several new concerns for Michigan farmers. The Michigan Department of Health an Human... more »

Fully vaccinated ag workers exempted from routine testing in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has updated its Order for COVID-19 testing for agricultural employees. New CDC guidance allows for fully vaccinated individuals in this category to be exempt from routine screening... more »

Growers refute reports of poor worker housing in Ontario

Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers are pushing back on recent allegations of poor housing standards and lax inspections around employer-provided housing for seasonal agricultural workers. Workers who come to Ontario through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker... more »

Senate action on ag labor reform urged by nearly 300 ag groups

On June 8, 288 agricultural organizations representing the geographic and commodity diversity of our nation’s farmers urged immediate U.S. Senate action to develop and pass legislation addressing agricultural labor reform. The call came in a... more »

Florida farmworkers needing help during pandemic can call hotline

Florida farmworkers statewide can call a toll-free number, 1-844-44FARMWORKERS (OR 1-844-443-2769) to get free legal assistance with issues on the rise because of the COVID-19 crisis, including access to vaccines. Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS),... more »

Wages up 6%; April farmworkers down 11%, USDA reports

The National Agricultural Statistics Service, Agricultural Statistics Board, USDA, released statistics May 26 regarding the U.S. farm worker status. The department collects information on the number of workers and wages for a week in January,... more »

Ag groups react as Washington state repeals COVID-19 rules for workers

Following ongoing appeals by Washington state’s leading agricultural groups, state regulators announced May 28 that fully vaccinated farmworkers do not have to wear a mask or socially distance at work or in congregate housing facilities,... more »

AgTechX Ed initiative launched by Western Growers with CDFA Secretary Karen Ross

Western Growers has teamed with Karen Ross, California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary, to launch a statewide initiative aimed at developing a future workforce with the skills and knowledge to navigate emerging on-farm technology.... more »