labor
USDA, DHS temporarily relaxes H-2A rules on guest workers staying in US
The Department of Homeland Security, with the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), announced April 15 a temporary final rule to chang... READ MORE »
CDC: Cloth face coverings can help stem spread of coronavirus
The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas ... READ MORE »
Agriculture included in $2 trillion COVID-19 rescue package
The U.S. Senate approved a $2 trillion COVID-19 Phase 3 rescue package by a vote of 96-0 on March 25. The bill now moves to the U.S. House, which is e... READ MORE »
Increased H-2A visa processing OK’d by State Department
Word came from Washington, D.C. March 26 that the U.S. State Department has taken steps to increase processing of H-2A via holders through consulates ... READ MORE »
Forms available to give to agriculture employees, shippers
As the number of states mandating that citizens stay home other than for essential supplies or work rises due to COVID-19, the Washington State Potato... READ MORE »
USDA, DOL identify 20,000 H2 workers who may be able to transfer in coming weeks
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Labor ... READ MORE »
Ag coalition urges H-2A visa process be treated as emergency
The steering committee of the Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC), including the National Potato Council, on March 18 called on Secretary of State M... READ MORE »
Rep. Newhouse to Senate on ag labor reform: ‘Get it done’
Potato and apple industry leaders and several members of the U.S House of Representatives came together outside the Capitol Building Feb. 26 to implor... READ MORE »
Potato, apple leaders to urge Senate to act on ag labor crisis
At 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, leaders from the potato and apple industries will host a press conference with agricultural industry partners and member... READ MORE »
House passes Farm Workforce Modernization Act, move applauded by NPC
The National Potato Council welcomed U.S. House passage of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 5038) Dec. 11. The bill, sponsored by Reps. Zoe ... READ MORE »