Labor
Small farms rely on owners; larger farms use hired hands
The U.S. agricultural workforce consists of a mixture of two groups of workers: (1) self-employed farm operators and their family members, referred to as “unpaid labor” because their remuneration comes out of farm profits rather... more »
Concerns for ag workforce during COVID-19 aired by lawmakers
Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts,and Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, sent letters July 6 to the largest food and beverage processors and farm operators requesting information on how they... more »
Sweeping farm workforce reform backed by Organic Trade Association
The Board of Directors of the Organic Trade Association has voted unanimously to take strong action to support the health, safety and legal standing of the nation’s farmworkers, and called for more attention to be... more »
Growers strive for safe workplaces during pandemic
U.S. specialty crop growers this spring prepared safer workplaces and routines for workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Federally, agricultural workers are considered an essential job, allowing the work to continue. But individual growers and industry... more »
NCAE Column: Farm families continue to go to work amid challenges
America’s farm and ranch families, like every other American family and families around the world, hope the battle against coronavirus is soon won. The horrible death and disruption bearing solemn witness to this scourge, must... more »
Webinar series addressing implementation of COVID-19 prevention, control measures
As California enters peak summer harvest season, there is increasing concern over the potential impact of COVID-19 on the agricultural workforce. To minimize the risks of disruption to our farms and food supply, the CDC... more »
Grower forum to address employer compliance with COVID-19 requirements
The third in a series of Penn State Extension grower forums on “Protecting Essential Agricultural Business Operations and Employee Health during COVID-19" will be held on July 9, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Brook Duer,... more »
Workplace injuries in agriculture reduced by wearable tech
The injury rate for agricultural workers is more than 40% higher than employees in other industries, which is why Western Growers Insurance Services designed the Connected Worker Program to help prevent injuries before they occur.... more »
