Labor

EFI: Becoming an “employer of choice” helps with worker shortages

Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) is showing how workers who work at "employers of choice" family-focused operations can help ease worker shortages. With back to school underway, employees may be feeling the strain of new schedules... more »

Industry labor practices recognized through Ethical Charter program

Fresh produce industry leaders have come together to design a program to recognize labor practices in the fresh produce industry. The Ethical Charter Implementation Program (ECIP) recognizes and strengthens labor engagement without the burden of... more »

NCAE calls proposed H-2A changes ‘disconnected from reality’

The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) says wording used in a Department of Labor proposal to change H-2A temporary ag labor visa rules is "blatant vitriol" targeted at farmers forced to use the program... more »

Farm employers, farmworkers to benefit from USDA program

Agricultural employers can begin to apply for a pilot program designed to address workforce challenges farmers and ranchers face. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing up to $65 million in grants available for the... more »

Focus on the Farmer webinar features transition to organic

As part of USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), Compass Natural’s Focus on the Farmer educational series will offer a free webinar to support farmers transitioning to organic. The Sept. 28 webinar, the second... more »

Registration opens for NCAE ag labor forum

The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) has opened registration for the 10th annual Ag Labor Forum. The event is scheduled for Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 at the M Resort outside of Las Vegas,... more »

House Ag Committee seeks labor input from growers

The U.S. House Agriculture Committee has created a bipartisan Agricultural Labor Working Group and is asking growers of specialty crops and other commodities to complete an online survey. The committee’s chairman, Glenn “GT” Thompson, and... more »

Wolverine State growers pressed by AEWR, labor challenges

Just this year, four growers mowed their asparagus fields and are leaving the industry. Because of untimely weather? Poor crop prices? Input costs? No. Because of low labor availability and an unaffordable rising Adverse Effect... more »