Labor

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 »

Ag groups send letter on immigration reform to president

The Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC) this week emphasized the importance of immigration reform for America’s farmers and ranchers in a letter sent to President Donald Trump. 70 groups representing a variety of crops grown around... more »

Program shows appreciation for farmworkers

Harvesting vegetables and fruit is a difficult profession, requiring commitment and a unique set of skills. When farm employers find the right workers, they need to let them know their work is appreciated, said Steve... more »

Vegetable Growers News survey: grower labor supply

Vegetable Growers News asked readers four questions in January, seeking information on their labor supply. A sampling of the results is below. Did you have enough labor in 2016? No: 53 percent Yes: 47 percent If... more »