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 …
DOL Moves to Make H-2A User-Friendly
The H-2A program seems to be getting a revamp finally. President Trump announced this week that the Department of Labor (DOL) would start the modernization process for the H-2A guestworker …
Proposed Changes to Agricultural Visa Program Show Promise
(CFBF) — As farmers in California and elsewhere around the country try to cope with chronic employee shortages, the president of the California Farm Bureau Federation said administrative changes to …
Perdue on the Department of Labor’s Proposed H2A Modernized Rule
Washington, D.C. (USDA) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement on the Department of Labor’s proposed rule to modernize the H-2A program to reflect stakeholder concerns …
Labor Bathroom Compliance Can be Tricky
When it comes to compliant farm labor bathrooms, there are several rules operations have to mind. The new Food Safety Modernization Act’s Produce Safety Rule inspections are highlighting the need …