Category: Labor
House committee approves expanded H-2A worker access
“This amendment supports legal immigration while making H-2A more workable for farmers.” — Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Washington
Produce leaders, senators meet with Vilsack to discuss ag labor reform
The U.S. Department of Agriculture hosted a roundtable discussion June 16 to discuss moving forward on agriculture labor reform.
Nearly 300 ag groups press Senate for labor reform action
“America’s potato growers remain committed to passing legislation to address the labor crisis faced by U.S. food producers.” — RJ Andrus
Proposed Colorado labor law would further hurt farms, CFVGA says
A new labor law, Agricultural Workers’ Rights, has passed the Colorado Senate and was to be heard in the House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee on June 3.
Washington ag groups asking governor to repeal COVID rules
Washington state’s leading agricultural groups are appealing to Gov. Inslee to repeal recently renewed COVID-19 emergency rules for farm workers.
Farm labor bill passes in House, attention turns to Senate
The National Potato Council welcomed the bipartisan vote in the House of Representatives to pass the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.
Agriculture production costs on the rise
Costs for agricultural inputs and crop protection agents are on the rise, reports North American Potato Market News (NAPMN).
Reps renew push for Farm Workforce Modernization Act
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act passed in the House of Representatives during the previous session of Congress by a vote of 260-165.
Colorado ag workers to be included in next round of COVID vaccine distribution
Starting March 5, all agriculture and grocery workers in Colorado will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines.
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.