The agricultural industry faces unprecedented challenges, from shifting commodity markets to labor shortages and automation. In a recent AgNet News Hour interview, Nick Foglio of Foglio Commodities shared timely insights …
Another Increase to California’s Minimum Wage is On the Way
California’s minimum wage is set to increase once again starting January 1, 2025. The increase applies to all employers, regardless of size. The increase is based on inflation, specifically a …
Supporting Farm Operations Act Introduced in Congress
The Supporting Farm Operations Act, H.R. 7046, was introduced in the U.S. House Representatives last week. It seeks to address the high cost of agricultural labor by freezing the Adverse …
Congressional Effort Seeks to Address H-2A Wage Concerns for U.S. Farmers
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has voiced concern about the increasing H-2A wage and its impact on family farmers. Seventy-five U.S. House of Representatives members penned a letter to the …
H-2A Usage Continues to Grow Even with High Costs
In fiscal year 2023, H-2A visa usage in the U.S. reached a record high of 378,513 certified positions, marking a two percent increase from the previous year, as revealed in …
Farm Operations Support Act Aims to Suspend H-2A Wage Increases
A bipartisan group of lawmakers is working to keep the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) from increasing further in 2023. Senators Jon Ossoff and Thom Tillis have introduced the Farm …
Seasonal Workers Failing to Meet Labor Need in Meat and Dairy Sectors
A recent report points out that while immigrant workers play a vital role in U.S. agriculture, some sectors continue to struggle more than others. The seasonal workers made available through …
Ag Groups Challenge Additional $4 an Hour ‘Hero Pay’
A group of agricultural organizations is challenging the “hero pay” ordinance that was recently passed by the Coachella City Council. Western Growers, the California Fresh Fruit Association, and Growing Coachella …
New AEWR from Department of Labor Brings California Up To $16.05
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has finally revealed what the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) will be for 2021. Employers of H-2A workers will now know what wage expectations …
Farm Mechanization Key to Addressing Labor Issues Moving Forward
With labor a constant concern for California producers, farm mechanization research and investment present a viable mitigation approach. Mechanized farming equipment cannot address all the issues related to the continually …
H-2A Wage Freeze Blocked by Federal Judge Ruling
A federal judge has blocked the H-2A wage freeze that the Department of Labor (DOL) announced back in November. The DOL decision would have kept H-2A wages at 2020 rates …
H-2A Wages to Remain Stable Over the Next Two Years
The Department of Labor (DOL) has announced that H-2A wages will remain at 2020 rates for the next two years. DOL is revising the methodology for how the department determines …
Newsom Moves Forward with Workers’ Compensation Order
Governor Gavin Newsom has moved forward with making significant changes to the workers’ compensation system in California. On May 6 Governor Newsom signed an Executive Order to expand the scope …
Newsom Considers Passing Pandemic Cost onto Employers Through Workers’ Compensation
Governor Gavin Newsom is considering an executive order that could significantly increase the cost of workers’ compensation insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The order would substantially expand the criteria of …
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