Labor
National Farmworker Awareness Week cited by Equitable Food Initiative
Equitable Food Initiative, the workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer advocacy groups, is once again celebrating National Farmworker Awareness Week by encouraging growers, agricultural associations, state agriculture agencies,... more »
Vaccine requirement to impact H-2A workers
As of Jan. 22, the Department of Homeland Security is requiring essential and non-essential travelers entering the U.S. to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. H-2A workers arriving on Jan. 22, 2022, or after, will be... more »
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 »