Labor

Resource hub set for the Michigan food and agriculture workforce

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on Oct. 26 launched a new resource, the Michigan Food, and Agriculture: Strategic Employment Planning hub. This hub is a critical resource providing education and awareness in... more »

Florida farmworkers hotline provides access to assistance

Florida farmworkers statewide who have been furloughed during the off-growing season are facing desperation and even homelessness due to obstacles in the new Department of Economic Opportunity unemployment benefits system. While the department is trying... more »

EFI announces Leadership Team Advisory Group to help strategize

Equitable Food Initiative, the workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer groups, has announced the formation of its leadership team advisory group as a standing committee of EFI’s board... more »

Farmworkers honored at White House roundtable

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack joined a virtual roundtable discussion with farmworkers to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Farm Safety and Health Week, and highlight the important role that farmworkers play in our nation’s food... more »

First labor contractors get Clearview certification for recruitment practices

Stronger Together US has announced Oregon-based AgriLabor and California-based AgSocio are the first farm labor contractors (FLCs) to achieve Clearview certification in the United States. Clearview is a global certification program that recognizes farm labor... more »

USDA report shows sharp growth in seasonal agricultural H-2A labor

The H-2A Agricultural Guest Worker program allows U.S. agricultural employers to hire foreign workers on a temporary or seasonal basis. The program rapidly expanded over the last decade, with certified H-2A positions increasing by more... more »

California ag groups praise Gov. Newsom’s veto of AB 616

California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson on Sept. 22 applauded Gov. Gavin Newsom for vetoing Assembly Bill 616. The legislation would have allowed yearlong mail-in card-check campaigns for unionizing instead of a secret ballot election.... more »

California budget boosts wildfire funding; labor bills pass

As another wildfire season rages in California, state lawmakers are seeking to ramp up mitigation efforts and help people working outside protect themselves from smoke. Among bills passed before the Legislature adjourned is Assembly Bill... more »