Labor

Some stranded workers cleared to cross border; others still waiting

According to wafla, a farm-labor organization based in Washington state, most of its members' farm workers who had been stranded at the U.S. border for more than a week obtained visas on Wednesday, June 17,... more »

Visa problems delaying farm workers coming to Washington

According to multiple new organizations, foreign guest workers are getting stuck at the border with visa problems – and the Washington cherry harvest is right around the corner.Here’s more from the Yakima Herald: U.S. Rep.... more »

Farm labor contracts require scrutiny

Craig Anderson had some pointed advice for growers who were contemplating the use of farm labor contractors this spring to help fill gaps in their shrinking employment pool. “We know a lot of them say,... more »

Dwindling options force more growers to use H-2A program

For years, agricultural employers and their advocates have been complaining about the state of the H-2A guest-worker program: It’s too expensive. There’s too much paperwork. It’s not flexible enough. And so on. Many hoped that... more »

Michigan still adjusting to crop losses of 2012

2012 was a bad year for many fruit-producing states, but none were hit harder than Michigan. An early warm-up followed by devastating freeze events killed roughly 85 percent of the state’s apples and nearly 90... more »

National Children’s Center to offer ag safety grants up to $20,000

Proposals are now being accepted for mini-grants up to $20,000 to support small-scale projects and pilot studies that address prevention of childhood agricultural disease and injury.The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and... more »

Washington: Apple dumping reports have been exaggerated

Over the last few weeks, major news organizations have reported a historic apple dump in Washington state. Millions of pounds — and dollars — were reported lost.But according to apple growers and packers in the... more »

Revitalize blueberries with renovation

Blueberries have a distinct growth habit. Each spring new shoots emerge from the crown at the base of the plant. These shoots grow quickly the first couple years when they are young. They then start... more »