Labor
Worker Protection Standards outreach sessions aid in compliance
Beginning Jan. 2, 2017, the Federal Worker Protection Standards (WPS) revisions took effect. These changes are designed to provide stronger protections for the nation’s two million agricultural workers and their families. Growers will be responsible... more »
Ag industry will watch Trump closely
As Donald Trump prepares to take the oath of office as the next president of the United States, the agriculture community is looking for clues on how his policies could impact the industry. Fruit Growers... more »
Comment period open for labor practices Ethical Charter
The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and United Fresh Produce Association are seeking public input on a draft Ethical Charter containing guiding principles and values intended to set a framework for responsible labor practices throughout the... more »
GK Machine blueberry harvester receives AE50 award
GK Machine’s Berry Transport was just recognized with an AE50 award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). AE50 awards honor the year’s most innovative designs in engineering products or systems for the... more »
Minimum wage rates for H-2A workers updated
The Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor has announced the 2017 Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) for the employment of temporary or seasonal nonimmigrant foreign workers (H-2A workers) to perform agricultural labor or... more »
Wafla awarded $3 million for housing project
The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Housing Finance Unit today awarded $26 million in loans and grants from the state’s Housing Trust Fund, $2.7 million from the Federal HOME program, and $2.9 from the National... more »
EPA’s Worker Protection Standard manual revised
EPA in conjunction with the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative (PERC) Exit is making available a guide to help users of agricultural pesticides comply with the requirements of the 2015 revised federal Worker Protection Standard. The manual... more »
Court stops Fair Labor Standards Act’s overtime regulations
A Texas federal court granted a nationwide emergency injunction prohibiting the implementation of the final Fair Labor Standards Act regulations that essentially doubled the current minimum annual salary level for exemption from $23,660 to $47,476... more »