Labor

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 »

Northeast vegetable farms diversify to survive

Dave Marchant has met the challenges associated with operating a wholesale organic vegetable farm on the Lamoille River in Fairfax, Vt.Now in its 21st year of operation, River Berry Farm grows 40 acres of organic... more »

Overhead pivot irrigation gaining traction in California

The ability to conserve water and labor are two of the most critical factors for growers in being able to save money and maximize resources. At a recent Precision Irrigation Conservation Agricultural Farm and Field... more »

Backlog may lead to farm labor shortage

The federal government shutdown caused a backup in seasonal farmworkers' visa applications that some agriculture leaders in Yuma say could lead to a labor shortage during the coming winter vegetable harvest. Yuma SunRead more here. more »

Seed industry sees continued growth

The commercial production and sale of vegetable seeds continue to be bolstered by increased market demand for most varieties.A report issued in August by Transparency Market Research indicated that the global commercial seeds market was... more »

Growers renew push for immigration reform

For the last 14 years, Fred Leitz has been traveling to Washington, D.C., telling members of Congress that if they don't fix America's immigration system, fruit and vegetable crops are going to start rotting in... more »