Category: Labor
H-2A wage rate set by USDA for 2021
The FLS reveals an average increase of $0.63 per hour, or 4.5%, from 2020 to 2021, though there are considerable regional differences.
USDA releases Farm Labor Survey, previews AEWR rate increases
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a preview Feb. 11 of what the 2021 H-2A wage rates will look like.
Washington agriculture groups suing state over COVID labor restrictions
Leading agriculture groups in Washington announced they are taking legal action against the sate over recently renewed emergency COVID-19 regulations.
National Farmers Union pleased with climate, immigration moves by Biden administration
NFU praised Joe Biden’s acts of returning the U.S. to the Paris Climate Agreement and release of U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021.
Bipartisan House group urges USDA to provide PPE equipment for ag workers
Seventy members of the House of Representatives sent a Jan. 11 to the USDA urging for allocation of funds to protect essential agriculture workers.
Labor, trade, government changes discussed during Potato Expo
A panel of ag leaders and industry experts discussed farm labor, trade, federal government changes and further COVID-19 aid during Potato Expo 2021.
Federal judge rules against H-2A wage rate freeze
The H-2A guest worker Adverse Effect Wage Rate was scheduled to freeze for two years starting in 2021, but that was overruled by a federal judge.
Nominations sought for agriculture safety awards
The Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America (ASHCA) seeks nominations for 10 categories of safety awards to be presented during the North American Agricultural Safety Summit.
Agriculture labor group sues DOL over Adverse Effect Wage Rate freeze
The nation’s largest agricultural union, United Farm Workers, is suing the Department of Labor for imposing a two-year wage freeze on farm laborers.
Idaho grower-shipper cited for labor violations
Lance Funk Farms and Great Rift Transportation, both owned by the same entity, will have to pay $68,000 in back wages and $6,500 in penalties.
H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rate to be frozen through 2022
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced Nov. 2 a final rule updating the methodology for determining the annual Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) in the H-2A agricultural visa program.
USDA praises labor department’s new H-2A wage rule
DOL’s final rule updates the methodology for determining the annual Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) in the H-2A visa program.
Agriculture worker coalition urges for more COVID protection
The Agriculture Workforce Coalition sent a letter to the White House Coronavirus Task Force calling for the federal government to take additional steps.
Mexican produce dumping concerns to be addressed
The U.S. Trade Representative, Department of Commerce and USDA released a report detailing the Trump Administration’s plan to address concerns over Mexican exports of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables to the U.S.
USDA-NIFA to establish seven artificial intelligence institutes
The artificial intelligence (AI) institutes are being created to help further boost America’s workforce and transform the future of American agriculture.
Court upholds Michigan order requiring COVID testing of farm workers
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan has upheld an emergency order that requires COVID testing for migrant or seasonal farm workers.