Pacific Northwest
Farmworker housing rules increase worker safety in Washington state
New emergency rules adopted May 13 regarding temporary farmworker housing will help increase worker safety and reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). The rules detail specific steps required at farms where temporary workers live in... more »
Yakima Valley fruit company workers walk off the job, citing safety concerns
Protests by Yakima County, Washington, agricultural workers over what they consider unsafe working conditions during the COVID-19 outbreak continued Wednesday, May 13, with employees walking out of the Monson Fruit Co. in Selah. According to... more »
Report: Tree fruit industry left hanging during the COVID-19 pandemic
A few weeks ago, it seemed like grocery stores couldn’t keep products on their shelves and that business was great for the food industry. According to a story in the Wenatchee World, a lot of... more »
WSU scientists enlist citizens in hunt for giant, bee-killing hornet
More than two inches long, the world’s largest hornet carries a painful, sometimes lethal sting and an appetite for honeybees. It is also the newest insect invader of Washington state. The Asian giant hornet, Vespa mandarinia,... more »
Washington state apple growers experience bloom season
Bloom season in Washington signals the start of a new apple crop. Across the state, apple trees are in the last bloom stages, dependent on elevation and location. The rolling slopes of Washington orchards are... more »
Temporary Oregon rule eyes COVID-19 in employer-provided housing, operations
Oregon OSHA has adopted a temporary rule to increase protections for workers against the spread of coronavirus in employer-provided housing and in labor-intensive farm operations. The temporary rule, which takes effect May 11, 2020, addresses... more »
Pear bureau responds to shifting retail environment with storage, ripening tips
Northwest pears are still in season and available, and in response to the shifting retail landscape, Pear Bureau Northwest has been working to stay innovative with a number of communication tools. These include directing consumers... more »
Farmworker housing cuts pursued through emergency rules in Washington state
Many Washington state farmers rely on foreign workers through the federal H-2A work visa program to harvest their crops. However, the Washington State Department of Health and the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) are... more »
Current Issue
On-farm AI: Water, farm, labor research guide decisions
Data collection tool expands farm management
Carmel Valley winegrapes: Parsonage Village Vineyard
IFTA Yakima Valley tour provides orchard insights
IFTA recognizes tree fruit honorees
Pennsylvania recognizes fruit industry professionals
Fresh Views 40 Under 40
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