regulations
NCAE applauds court’s halt of Labor Rule
A federal court in Georgia has issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Department of Labor (DOL) from implementing a regulation that would have allowed temporary foreign agricultural workers to unionize. “For far too long, the... more »
Senate, House make progress on Farm Bill
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) is applauding movement on a farm bill from the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. Both bodies released summaries of their proposals on May 1, with Senate committee chair... more »
New H-2A worker protections go into effect this year
The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a final rule on H-2A temporary worker protections that include allowing employees to invite labor and legal organizations to employer-provided housing. The rule, “Improving Protections for Workers in... more »
FDA to hear comments on leveraging technology
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has scheduled a virtual and in-person meeting to seek ideas on how the agency can leverage data and technology to advance food safety. The FDA is asking stakeholders to... more »
U.S.-Mexico labor task force includes IFPA’s John Hollay
The International Fresh Produce Association's John Hollay has been named to a multi-stakeholder and bi-national task force on farm labor. The task force, established by the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars, aims to develop... more »
Congressional report calls for H-2A wage reform
The House Agricultural Labor Working Group is calling for a number of changes to the H-2A temporary visa program long-supported by specialty crop growers. The group, whose 16 members are evenly split between Democrats and... more »
SEC scraps climate change provision
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has scrapped a plan opposed by farm groups that would have mandated tracking of greenhouse gas emissions in company supply chains, all the way down to family farms. This... more »
New EPA office focuses on agriculture, rural issues
The EPA is establishing an office to expand engagement opportunities with agricultural and rural communities. The Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs is designed to improve "environmental stewardship and economic opportunity for America’s farmers and... more »
Avoid tax mistakes when classifying farm employees
See related article: Extension helps bust tax myths In this two-part series, tax professionals partnering with USDA debunk common misconceptions about taxes and USDA programs. This week focuses on farm employees and mistakes for employers to... more »
Washington State water project expands grower options
A unique five-year study in Washington’s Columbia River Basin, which has some of the most intensively irrigated land in the U.S., is looking at how to make the most of the available water. “Technology for... more »
