H-2A

Field worker wages up 6%, signaling hike for H-2A pay

Field workers at U.S. farms received an average of $17.04 per hour in October, an increase of 6% from the same month in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Labor Survey. The... more »

Rising farm labor rates draw notice from FFVA

Noting expected hikes in Florida farm labor rates, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association is weighing in on how growers are being affected by rising labor costs. Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released... more »

IFPA calls H-2A wages an ‘assault’ on produce industry

The International Fresh Produce Association is projecting an almost 7% average increase pay rates for workers in the H-2A program, based on the recent release of the annual U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Labor Survey... more »

Ag labor group sues to halt H-2A changes

The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) has filed a legal challenge to changes in the H-2A program. The lawsuit alleges that the Department of Labor has “unlawfully repealed a final rule duly issued, prescribed... more »

H-2A changes to be addressed in Penn State webinar

To prepare growers for significant program regulation changes coming in 2023 for users of H-2A labor, Penn State Extension is planning a webinar. Through a Dec. 13 Zoom webinar, Penn State labor authorities plan to... more »

NCAE sets Ag Labor Forum agenda

The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) has set the agenda for its 9th Annual Ag Labor Forum. The forum will be Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at the M Resort near Las Vegas. “This year’s event... more »

Florida growers discuss labor, input challenges

Florida’s growers are working to ensure state and federal policymakers hear their concerns about the numerous challenges and proposed rules to grow fresh produce. At the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) convention Sept. 12-14... more »

Final H-2A rule tightens housing laws, increases government enforcement ability

The Department of Labor has released its final rule for the H-2A temporary labor program, which is increasingly being used by specialty crop farmers as labor shortages force them to turn to the federal program... more »

Mexican official: US to issue 300K temporary work visas

The U.S. plans to issue 300,000 temporary work visas to migrants from Mexico and Central America, according to a senior Mexican official. Interior Minister Adán Augusto López Hernández said half of the visas will go... more »

New data shows surge in demand for H-2A ag workers

Recently released data from the U.S. Department of Labor reflects surging demand for temporary agricultural employees under the H-2A program. DOL data for the first two quarters of Fiscal Year 2022 indicate that program applications... more »