Labor
Labor department scraps child worker rule
Last year, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposed extensive new rules restricting the kind of work people under 16 could do on farms. The majority of the restrictions revolved around 13 Hazardous Occupation Orders,... more »
Growers will give ag a voice in Michigan Legislature
In November, a vegetable grower and a fruit grower were elected to serve in the Michigan House of Representatives. Roger Victory, who grows vegetables in the Hudsonville area, will represent the state's 88th district. Dave... more »
Robotic strawberry harvesters demoed in California
Agrobot, a company based in Huelva, Spain, recently demonstrated a robotic strawberry harvester at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). The company is working to bring robotic technology to strawberry harvesting and hydroponic growing,... more »
Vegetable council hands out awards during Great Lakes EXPO
The Michigan Vegetable Council (MVC) handed out two awards during the annual banquet of the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Market EXPO.Master Farmer AwardThe Master Farmer Award is given in recognition of outstanding farming... more »
New MVC president wants to tackle labor, public relations
Ralph Oomen is in line to become the next president of the Michigan Vegetable Council (MVC). Currently the vice president, he'll start his two-year term as president in 2013.Ralph's family has been farming in western... more »
Sweet corn, peaches pair well for Ohio grower
There aren't many young fruit and vegetable growers out there, and it worries Gordon Hahn. Hahn, 55, grows fruit, vegetable and grain crops in Huron, Ohio. His seed salesman tells him he's one of the... more »
Mich. pickle farm accused of cheating workers
The federal government is accusing a northern Michigan farm of failing to pay minimum wage to migrant workers who picked pickling cucumbers.A lawsuit filed in Grand Rapids federal court also accuses Darryl Howes and Ron... more »
Congresswoman moves to crack down on children in fields
Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-East Los Angeles) is calling for new protections for kids who work in agriculture, specifically large corporate farms across the United States. She is re-introducing a bill called the "Care Act," to... more »