regulations
Funding, caps increased, deadline extended for specialty crops program
A program designed to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops has gotten an infusion of funds, a higher payment cap and an extended application deadline. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is adding an... more »
Commentary: Boot camp helps women learn to advocate for agriculture
When you get called by the media for an interview, do you know how to answer the tough questions? Do you know how to talk about what Farm Bureau is and what it represents? Do... more »
Ag Labor Review: More heavy lifting needed
Earlier in 2024, a federal district court in Georgia found that the Department of Labor’s (DOL) “Worker Protection” rule was unlawful. NCAE had raised these claims, and others, that the court found objectionable when it... more »
DOL increases AEWR rates
New Adverse Effect Wage rates have been released by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The rates cover the employment of temporary H-2A agricultural workers by state. The increased rates go into effect Dec. 30.... more »
Farm Bureau upset with congressional lack of action
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is upset about lack of congressional action to help farmers. In a Dec. 14 news releases, the Washington, D.C.-based AFBF expressed disappointment that Congress appears to be turning “a... more »
Farm Bureau applauds court-ordered pause in federal filing requirements
A federal court’s halting of a federal business filing requirement that could have jeopardized growers through fines and imprisonment is being applauded by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). A federal court in the Eastern... more »
Mississippi court enjoins H-2A worker protection rule nationwide
An attempt by the U.S. Department of Labor to provide protections to H-2A workers who organize to form labor unions has been dealt its biggest blow since its challenged implementation in April. A preliminary injunction... more »
USApple plaintiff in federal case granting nationwide labor rules enforcement stay
As one of the plaintiffs in a federal court case that granted a nationwide stay of enforcement of labor rules, the U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is commenting on the ruling. On Nov. 25, a federal... more »
Trump nominates policy aide for Secretary of Agriculture
A former White House aide lawyer with agriculture ties under President-elect Donald Trump has been tapped to head the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Brooke Rollin was domestic policy chief during Trump’s first term, and worked... more »
Georgia AEWR rate expected to increase 9%
Georgia’s grower group is preparing for another expected increase in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR). On Nov. 20, the Department of Labor announced findings from the latest farm labor survey. According to the data,... more »
Current Issue
Big apple: Large 2025-26 apple crop forecast
IFTA summer tour shows Canadian tree fruit methods
Shifting labor landscape: Actions spark optimism for long-term reform
Strong connections and innovation at the 2025 Great Lakes EXPO
Hanulcik Farm Market & Orchard’s central Michigan fruit heritage
Farm Market & Agritourism: What to do when market fluctuation affects prices
Ag Labor Review: H-2A wages: market vs. mandate
see all current issue »
