Labor
Organic food sales hit record $61.7 billion in US in 2022
Organic food sales in the U.S. topped $60 billion for the first time in 2022, almost doubling 2021’s growth and now accounting for 6% of total food sales in the nation. The 2023 Organic Industry... more »
Michigan members of Congress oppose H-2A fee hikes
A bipartisan group of U.S. representatives from Michigan are asking the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reconsider proposed fee increases for employing ag workers in the H-2A temporary visa program. On top of increases... more »
Grower spending on automation jumps to $500K
Growers are spending an average of $500,000 a year on automation in response to the persistent ag labor shortage, according to the Specialty Crop Automation Report from Western Growers. This is the second year the Specialty... more »
GFVGA supports resolution reversing AEWR changes
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is urging members of the Georgia congressional delegation to support resolutions to reverse changes announced in the Department of Labor’s Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR). The forthcoming... more »
Ag employers group challenges Adverse Effect Wage Rate rule
The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) has filed a motion for preliminary injunction against the Department of Labor’s (DOL) new Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) regulation. Other plaintiffs in the case are Florida Growers... more »
April is farmworker sexual harassment awareness month
Equitable Food Initiative has launched its annual campaign to raise awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace, particularly in agriculture. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. EFI is using the time to shine a light... more »
New apples address climate, labor shortfalls
Through careful crossbreeding and selection, University of Maryland (UMD) researchers have developed what they consider to be ideal apple varieties for American growers trying to adapt to a changing world. The new apples, a yellow... more »
Orchard covers, netting solutions have varied impact
Editor’s note: This article is an expanded version of the article that appeared in print. Orchard protective covers and netting used in fruit production can reduce hail damage and provide sunburn protection, along with other... more »
