Labor

Fewer, more vigorous I-9 audits to be conducted

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has some good news for employers: There will be fewer mandatory I-9 audits.The bad news?The audits that do occur will be "more vigorous," according to Cory Howe, a special... more »

Farm bill promising for fruit, vegetables

An analysis by specialty crop advocates indicates the 2014 Farm Bill contains programs that constitute a 55 percent increase in the government's investment in the produce industry's competitiveness and the nutritional well-being of Americans through... more »

Airborne attractions propel farm market

The pumpkins are flying at Lewis Farm Market in New Era, Mich. And if seeing those spheres heading skyward isn't thrilling enough, visitors can check out fruit cannons that allow them to take aim at... more »

Greenhouse tomatoes can pay dividends

A primary reason for growing tomatoes in greenhouses is to reach higher levels of quality and value.That was a takeaway message from Richard Snyder, professor and vegetable specialist with Mississippi State University. He was a... more »

ACA noncompliance penalties could crimp farms

The confusion regarding the implementation of the nation's new health insurance regulations should not derail agricultural employers from paying close attention to the measures in order to avoid costly penalties for noncompliance.The consequences involved in... more »

Oceana Asparagus Day: Prepare for 2014 season

The 2013 growing season saw good prices for fresh and processed asparagus, with Michigan growers boosting fresh production while still supplying good tonnage of processed product. As thoughts turn to what next season holds, the... more »

Growers anticipating labor shortages for harvest

In August, fruit and vegetable growers were preparing for harvest, and many were wondering if they would have enough workers for the busy fall season. Stepped-up federal immigration enforcement and immigration-reform legislation that appeared to... more »

California wage hikes will hurt growers

On top of all the other pressures California vegetable growers are facing – rising input costs, labor shortages and tightening water supplies – they are now looking at a $2-per-hour hike in the state's minimum... more »