Labor

Program certifies farmers treat their workers right

After his farm became completely certified organic three decades ago, Jim Cochran had a thought: Why not certify employment practices the same way you certify farming practices? Cochran, owner of Swanton Berry Farm in Davenport,... more »

Tougher pesticide safety rules are now in effect

Recent revisions to EPA’s Worker Protection Standard (WPS) went into effect Jan. 2, 2017. WPS is primarily intended to reduce the risks of illness or injury to workers and handlers resulting from occupational exposures to... more »

EPA slows implementation of pesticide applicators rule

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on May 11 announced a 12-month extension for implementation of the revised final Certification and Training of Pesticide Applicators (C&T) rule. According to a news release, EPA received feedback from states... more »

Feinstein, colleagues introduce legislation to shield farmworkers from deportation

Senators Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii and Kamala Harris, D-Calif. Wednesday  introduced legislation to shield farmworkers from deportation and put them on a path to earned legal status... more »

Western Growers’ health plan marks anniversary

Western Growers Assurance Trust (WGAT) marks 60 years of offering health care options to the agricultural community with a series of open house events in each of its four Cedar Health and Wellness Centers. The open... more »

App to help migrant laborers connect with jobs

Finding and retaining laborers has become a top challenge for specialty crop growers throughout the country. A west Michigan man hopes to streamline the recruiting process for growers – as well as provide farmworkers with... more »

New respirator guidelines in effect under Worker Protection Standards

Requirements for a medical evaluation, fit testing and specific training for use of respirators and the associated record keeping became effective Jan. 2, 2017. At this time, most growers are aware of this revision to... more »

Growers share pros and cons of H-2A program

Short on labor and thinking about hiring H-2A workers? The federal guest-worker program, which more farm employers are using these days, has its pros and cons. A couple of Michigan growers shared their experiences with... more »

Current Issue

VGN April Cover

Insect Eavesdropper allows growers to “hear” what’s happening in fields

Managing wildlife on the farm

Southwest Florida’s Worden Farm manages challenges

Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association says farewell to leader

Southeast Regional Show recognizes leaders

Veg Connections: Biopesticides and beneficial insects

Business: Why do most succession plans fail?

60 years of advocating for agricultural employers

Keeping CSA members engaged and loyal

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