The Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019 that was introduced by Representatives Zoe Lofgren and Dan Newhouse is receiving significant support from the agricultural industry. The bipartisan bill seeks to …
Farmworker Housing Bill: ‘No farmer is going to use this.’
Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Assembly Bill 1783 (AB 1783) into law, significantly altering how farmworker housing will be administered in California. AB 1783, the Farmworker Housing Act of 2019, …
New 2020 Requirements for Reporting Injuries
Assembly Bill 1804 has updated the requirements for reporting injuries to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). The changes are being implemented in an effort to simplify …
‘Increase in Citations’ Expected with Labor Code Changes from AB 1805
Assembly Bill 1805 (AB 1805) made two significant changes to the labor code by revising the definition of ‘serious injury or illness’ and ‘serious exposure.’ The bill broadens the scope …
More Stringent Air Quality Standards on The Way
Air quality standards could become even more strict as a new proposal is making its way through the regulatory process. Back in July, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health …
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. …
New Smoke Exposure Regulation Arriving at Height of Fire Season
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Standards Board has unanimously approved new regulations pertaining to wildfires and smoke exposure. The decision comes after an emergency rulemaking proposal was …
Labor Shortages Continue for California Farms
California farmers and ranchers report that labor shortages continue to be an issue despite multiple efforts to help remedy the problem. The California Farm Bureau Federation (CFBF) worked with the …
CFBF: New Nighttime Lighting Requirements ‘Unrealistic’
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Standards Board recently held a public hearing on the proposed nighttime lighting requirements for agricultural operations. Several ag industry groups expressed concern …
Ag Employers Urged to Weigh in on Nighttime Labor Regulations
The opportunity for public comment on the proposed changes to nighttime labor regulations for the agricultural industry is nearing its end. The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is …
Emergency Process Pushing New Air Quality Standard for Wildfire Smoke
A new air quality standard that addresses wildfire smoke which contains high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is moving quickly. A petition that was filed at the end of …
Participation Encouraged for the 2019 Labor Survey
California farmers and ranchers are being asked to participate in the 2019 labor survey to establish an accurate baseline of the state’s labor needs. The Farm Employers Labor Service and …
California Lawmakers Introduce New Immigration Legislation for Ag Workers
Three Democratic lawmakers from California have just presented new immigration legislation that would create an opportunity for undocumented agricultural workers to apply for legal status. Senator Dianne Feinstein, Congressman Jimmy …
Navigating the H-2A Guest Worker Program
U.S. farmers and ranchers discussed the current state of regulations governing the farm labor market and efforts to navigate it, at a workshop during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 100th …