According to data from the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), the agricultural industry has experienced the highest number of workplace fatalities in 2019 as of November. The National …
Farm Bureau Calls for Improvements to Ag Labor Bill
(AFBF) — The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Legislation advanced by the House Judiciary Committee falls short of a long-term solution to …
Agricultural Immigration Bill Moves Forward
(CFBF) — Committee approval of an agricultural immigration bill marks an important step for California farmers, their employees and their families, the California Farm Bureau Federation said. CFBF President Jamie …
Preparing for New Labor Laws Coming in Less than 50 Days
With less than 50 days remaining in the year, producers should already be preparing for new laws that will be coming into effect beginning January 1. Governor Gavin Newsom signed …
Addressing the Agricultural Impact of AB 5
California employers are preparing to navigate the requirements of AB-5 and how it will affect the use of independent contractors. Several industry groups including agriculture are working to advocate for …
Perdue Comments on Administrative Actions to Streamline H-2A Process
(Washington, D.C. (USDA-Sept. 20, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement highlighting actions announced by the Department of Labor (DOL) which will modernize the burdensome H2A …
Input Needed for Forthcoming H-2A Cost Estimator Tool
A partnership between AgSafe and UnitedAg is allowing for the development of an H-2A cost estimator tool that can assist with decision making when it comes to the H-2A program. …
Potential Reasons for Slow Down in Overall H-2A Needs
U.S. farmers and ranchers rely on hired help to keep up with each growing season. Data from the U.S. Department of Labor accounted for a 29 percent increase in the …
Perdue Statement on Meeting with Guatemalan Ministers
Washington, D.C. (USDA) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue met with a host of Ministers from Guatemala to discuss implementation of the recently signed agreement between the United States …
Wool Industry Adversely Affected by AB 1066 Overtime Rules
Amendments that were made to AB 1066 are causing significant concern for California’s sheep industry. In 2001, the Industrial Welfare Commission exempted sheepherders from overtime and hourly wage regulations due …
Secretary Perdue on Labor Agreement with Guatemala
Washington, D.C. (USDA) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue applauded the Department of Labor and Guatemala on the signing of an agreement to improve H-2A visa program operations. Secretary …
Mitigate Liability Risk by Vetting Your Farm Labor Contractor
Working with a farm labor contractor to supply the necessary workforce on a farming operation does not eliminate the liability risk for the grower in the event of an accident. …
Guest-Worker Reforms Essential as Enforcement Increases
(AFBF) — The federal government’s announcement of plans to expand and expedite the deportation of undocumented workers prompted a forceful call for guest-worker reforms by AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We …
Perdue Observes Challenges Facing California Avocados First-Hand
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently toured a farm in San Diego to better understand how California avocados are produced and learn more about what types of challenges the …