Labor
CA GROWN proclaims October as Farmer and Farmworker Month
CA GROWN has announced that the first-ever California Farmer and Farmworker Month will be recognized in October. It is a fitting tribute in a most challenging year. When COVID-19 hit, farmers, farmworkers and the entire food and... more »
Housing for the Harvest program expanded to more California counties
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced Sept. 17 that the counties of Kings, Riverside and Tulare will participate in Housing for the Harvest, a program announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom in July... more »
Washington state enacts Emergency Temporary Worker Housing Rule
On Sept. 10, Washington state announced a new Emergency Temporary Worker Housing (TWH) Rule, which expires on Jan. 8, and proposed anew permanent rule, which may be issued next spring if needed. The new rule emphasizes early... more »
COVID-19 and the ag industry: Labor, supply chains and consumer behavior
It’s no secret that producers of toilet paper and PPE had a quick increase in demand in March 2020. But how has the global pandemic affected the labor markets, supply chains, and overall consumer behavior... more »
COVID-19 farmworker safety video series launched in Florida
As the fall harvest season begins, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) are launching a nine-part video series created to provide guidance on COVID-19 safety precautions for... more »
Mastronardi completes fifth EFI certification
Mastronardi Produce (sold under the Sunset brand) has certified its fifth operation through Equitable Food Initiative. According to a news release, this certification marks a milestone for Mastronardi, making it one of just a handful of... more »
Pleas to Congress don’t connect; action needed
On March 13, 2020, President Trump declared a national emergency to combat the coronavirus outbreak in the United States. The following week, I was invited by one of our members to join a conference call... more »
Housing for Harvest program includes Santa Barbara County
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) on Sept. 3 announced that Santa Barbara County has joined Housing for the Harvest, a new program announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom in August to provide temporary... more »