regulations
AEWR labor coalition recommends Washington lawmakers help growers
As Washington searches for ways to keep the lights on, the AEWR Agricultural Labor Coalition says the same urgency should be applied to America’s farms. Up to 34 farm and agribusiness groups are calling for... more »
U.S. ag exports harmed amid trade disputes, competition
Though row crops remain the backbone of U.S. agriculture, export markets are shrinking as fruit and vegetable imports exceed exports, according to a recent University of Illinois study. The U.S. has long been an agricultural... more »
John Hollay named new president and CEO of National Council of Agricultural Employers
The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) has selected John Hollay as its next president and chief executive officer, following a national search to replace retiring leader Michael Marsh. Hollay will assume the role on... more »
Aid efforts, trade talks soldier on amid government shutdown
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) urged the inclusion of specialty crop aid in any emergency economic relief for the U.S. agricultural industry as aid efforts and trade talks continue despite the government shutdown.... more »
H-2A wages: market vs. mandate
“The federal government implemented a social program that farmers and ranchers are required to run.” A friend of mine said something like that the other day, and I told her it was interesting to think... more »
Shifting labor landscape: Actions spark optimism for long-term reform
Several recent decisions affecting ag labor have industry insiders cautiously optimistic that the political landscape may be favorable for long-lasting reform. In early September, the USDA announced it was discontinuing a method of measuring farm... more »
Apples at a turning point: Orchard removal, better varieties required for grower survival
Optimism tempered with realism fueled discussions at this year’s USApple Outlook conference. Growers, packers, marketers and large retail buyers assembled at the event in Chicago on Aug. 13-15, which enjoyed record attendance. More than 370... more »
USApple weighs in on Interim Final Rule revising AEWR methodology
An Oct. 2 Interim Final Rule published by the Department of Labor (DOL) to revise the methodology for setting Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) brings long-awaited and much-needed reform to the H-2A wage system, according... more »
New guidelines revise H-2A filings, AEWR rates
A final rule announced Oct. 2 by the Department of Homeland Security aims to streamline the filing process for certain temporary agricultural worker petitions. The new rule allows U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to begin... more »
“Eye of the Storm” panel investigating labor rule added to NCAE labor forum
Questions about the future of the ag industry, its ability to compete in the modern market and worker wages will be explored at the 2025 Ag Employer Labor Forum. Hosted by the National Council of... more »
















