Category: Labor
FAA approves drone swarms in step toward automated spraying use
The FAA’s waiver allows for the safe operation of three autonomous drone sprayers by a single pilot and one visual observer.
NPC leaders hopeful USDA will add better COVID aid for specialty crop industry
According to National Potato Council information, less than 2% of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) funds have gone to specialty crops.
NIFA invests $4.8 million in ag workforce training through community colleges
Areas include improving worker skills in nursery production, pesticide application, aquaponics, hydraulic systems and leadership for workers in rural areas.
CDC issues agriculture labor guidelines for COVID-19
The guidance explains what employers should do to prevent transmission of the virus among workers who share housing and transportation.
National Fleet Products introduces portable hand-washing station
The 6.5- and 10-gallon portable stations can be placed in vehicles or isolated areas to allow for hand-washing virtually anywhere.
Michigan adds COVID-19 requirements for agriculture workers
Executive Order 2020-111 provides additional requirements and procedures to keep agricultural workers and the food supply safe from the effects of COVID-19.
NPC cautions against triggering ‘irrational’ surges in potato imports
Growing international stocks of fresh and processed potatoes could trigger “irrational surges in imports of these products as foreign interests search for scarce customers.”
USDA, DHS temporarily relaxes H-2A rules on guest workers staying in US
In some cases, H-2A petitioners will be able to employ certain foreign workers who are already in the United States as soon as the USCIS gets the petition.
Agriculture included in $2 trillion COVID-19 rescue package
The package includes funds for commodities, loans for labor and funding to the USDA to aid fruit and vegetable growers affected by the coronavirus crisis.
Increased H-2A visa processing OK’d by State Department
The U.S. State Department has taken steps to increase processing of H-2A guest worker applications through consulates around the world.
Forms available to give to agriculture employees, shippers
As the number of states climbs mandating non-essential industry employees to stay at home, a proactive measure would be to provide documentation to ag employees.
USDA, DOL identify 20,000 H2 workers who may be able to transfer in coming weeks
There will be workers leaving these positions who could be available to transfer to a different employer’s labor certification.
Ag coalition urges H-2A visa process be treated as emergency
The move came after the March 16 announcement by the Department of State’s decision to suspend regular visa processing in Mexico.
US Consulate issues statement on processing of H-2A applicants
The COVID-19 outbreak will lead to H-2A workers reapplying for expired visas to be processed, but processing of first-time applicants has been suspended.
Rep. Newhouse to Senate on ag labor reform: ‘Get it done’
A bipartisan group of U.S. Reps joined leaders from the potato and apple industries outside the Capitol Building to plead with the Senate on ag labor reform.