Labor
Feds publish new I-9 employment form
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. By Jan. 22, employers must use only the new version, dated 11/14/2016. Until then, they can continue to... more »
USDA invests in expanding, diversifying US agriculture workforce
An increase in federal and private-sector support will expand and diversify the U.S. agricultural workforce by increasing opportunities in education, research and outreach, according to USDSA. The initiative is part of the White House Office... more »
Florida agriculture employment up 29 percent in 13 years
About 1.56 million people worked full- or part-time in agriculture, natural resources and food industries in 2014, an increase of about 40,000 workers from 2013, and nearly 29 percent from 2001, according to a new... more »
New overtime rule outrages California growers
On Sept. 12, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill that will phase in new overtime rules for the state’s agricultural workers beginning in 2019. The standard overtime threshold for most California industries is eight... more »
California governor signs farmworker overtime bill
California Gov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 1066 into law on Sept. 12, expanding overtime for farmworkers. The California legislature passed the bill on a 44-32 vote. Industry groups have released statements regarding the bill's signing.... more »
WGA’s AgTech Innovation Arena competition now open
Western Growers (WG) officially launched the second annual Innovation Arena Competition, which will offer six agtech start-up companies an opportunity to compete for two winning prizes. Applications are now open and will be accepted until... more »
Farmworker overtime bill heads to California governor
The California legislature has approved a bill that would expand overtime rules for farmworkers. Assembly Bill 1066, passed on a 44-32 vote, now heads to Governor Jerry Brown's desk. The bill would offer farmworkers time-and-a-half pay for... more »
Abundant Robotics to automate orchard harvests
SRI International has launched Abundant Robotics, an agriculture technology company focused on helping make foods such as apples and other tree fruits more accessible. Abundant Robotics will commercialize and build on research initiatives in agricultural... more »
Ag groups help launch Reason for Reform campaign
The Partnership for a New American Economy (NAE) recently released 51 new economic research reports (one for every state plus the District of Columbia) and launched the Reason for Reform campaign. The campaign was created to... more »
USDA awards $26 million for farmworker housing
USDA has awarded $26 million to help provide housing for farmworkers in nine rental communities in four states. The funding will support 439 rental units in California, Florida, Kansas and Texas. The funding is provided through... more »
