Oct 8, 2020

Virtual format set for December Ag Labor Forum in December

The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) announced Oct. 8 that its annual Ag Labor Forum will be held virtually Dec.  2-4.

This annual event brings together key thought leaders in agricultural employment and labor from across the United States. It is the event you do not want to miss if you have any connection to how America’s food is produced.

“We are extremely excited to bring this year’s event to attendees in a virtual format,” noted Michael Marsh, president and CEO.  “We usually hold the event in Las Vegas but due to the pandemic, we will be holding the forum virtually this year which should allow more participation from employers on the East Coast. NCAE is thrilled to have so many talented speakers available to give us the latest on what’s happening in ag labor and provide us insight into what to expect in the months ahead.”

Experts will be able to provide attendees the down low on what the new Congress will look like and what to expect. A panel will investigate the possibility of immigration reform finally happening and what that might mean for agricultural employers. Economic analysis will be dissected to ascertain what COVID-19 has meant to farmers and ranchers and what agriculture might look for in the months ahead.

Additionally, users or potential users of the H-2A program will get to hear from experts on two different program tracks (H-2A 101 for participants new to the program and H-2A Advanced Topics for more seasoned users). And, we may have a new rule on H-2A from the Department of Labor to examine as well.

Government officials will be on hand to discuss compliance with the requirements of the Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification and the Wage and Hour Division. The State Department will discuss the latest from foreign consulates.  Representatives from the Guatemalan and Honduran Ministries of Labor have been invited to share information regarding implementation of recent bilateral labor agreements with the U.S. government and what that might mean for labor availability.

The Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America (ASHCA) will also do a deep dive on safety issues on the farm related to COVID-19. And, as usual with NCAE programs, much of the content will be eligible for continuing education credit from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).

“Limited sponsorship opportunities remain for this event that reaches hundreds of attendees in a COVID safe format,” said Marsh. “Members receive a significant discount off registration fees and the event provides nonmembers a “look under the hood” of the battles NCAE successfully wages in the Congress and with federal agencies.”

Registration will open Friday, Oct. 9, and can be accessed by going to www.ncaeonline.org.

NCAE is the national trade association focusing on agricultural labor issues from the employer’s viewpoint.