Labor

Labor contractors’ group offers supervisor development program

The California Farm Labor Contractors Association is hosting several classes focused on its Ag Supervisor Development Program. "We launched this training program for supervisors, mayordomos, and crew leaders late last year, partly through USDA/NIFA grant... more »

New deadline to apply for Farm and Food Workers Relief Grants

The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced Jan. 13 it is extending the deadline to submit applications for the Farm and Food Worker Relief (FFWR) Grant Program from Feb. 8, 2022, to March 10, 2022. Additionally,... more »

Next-gen ag workers curriculum funded for Western Growers

Western Growers received a $750,000 grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s 2021 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (HR 133) to develop and implement a curriculum to provide California college students with best-in-class... more »

Western Growers’ bid to block California COVID-19 rule nixed

A California state appeals court has rejected a challenge by Western Growers to the state's COVID-19 workplace safety rule, saying the need to protect workers outweighs any burdens the measure places on employers. Reuters reported... more »

Agriculture faces host of new state laws in California

Farmers and ranchers will find themselves subject to new laws in 2022 that will raise wages, redefine animals' living arrangements and allow ranchers better access to livestock in evacuation zones. Effective Jan. 1, California's minimum... more »

Equitable Food Initiative drives workforce development priorities

Despite ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 was a year of progress for Equitable Food Initiative as it drew strength from its multi-stakeholder approach, bringing new insights from retail partners, produce growers, workers... more »

2022 Adverse Effect Wage Rates effective Dec. 29 are now official

The Department of Labor (DOL) published Dec. 15 its 2022 Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR), which are the minimum an employer must pay H-2A nonimmigrant agricultural workers, and has proposed some changes to how those... more »

California Farm Bureau to support petitions for citizenship

California's largest membership agricultural organization is partnering with immigration advocates to support U.S. citizenship applications from farm employees who may be eligible for naturalization. California accounts for one in every three farmworkers in the United... more »