Ag Workforce Solutions Remain Elusive

Web AdminAgri-business, Labor

By Frank Giles Southeastern specialty crop growers have been seeking reform in farm labor policy for many years. Because of its nexus with immigration policy, meaningful solutions have been hard to come by. Proposals have been put forth, but partisan politics see those efforts stall. That has forced many growers to utilize the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) H-2A visa …

The Future of Florida Blueberries Driven by Automation

Web AdminFruits, Specialty Crops

By Frank Giles Last week, the Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA) hosted its annual fall meeting in Lakeland at Bonnet Springs Park and Event Center. The meeting’s education program covered a wide range of topics, including production, labor and the farm bill debate. Leonard Park, FBGA president, noted in his welcome address that last season was a struggle for Florida’s …

FFVA Convention Tackles Agricultural Labor Issues 

Web AdminAgribusiness, Labor

By Frank Giles The latest buzz word in agriculture is resilience. That sentiment was evident at the 2023 Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) convention in September. More than 500 attendees gathered in Naples to take care of association business, learn about key issues and enjoy time with industry peers. Despite plenty of challenges, growers were in good spirits during …

GFVGA Leader: Information is Key When Managing Labor-Related Issues

Web AdminAgri-business, Georgia, Labor

By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) wants to help its specialty crop farmers stay compliant with H-2A and other federal regulations. The Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum is designed to provide producers all the information they need to remain on the right side of compliance. The annual two-day event, scheduled for Nov. 14-15 at the …

Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member Scott Announce Bipartisan Working Group Tackling Agriculture Workforce Challenges

Web AdminLabor

House Committee on Agriculture Chairman GT Thompson (PA-15) and Ranking Member David Scott (GA-13) released a joint statement last week after announcing the formation of the bipartisan Agricultural Labor Working Group, which is focusing on the workforce issues faced by the nation’s Ag producers: “The Committee on Agriculture has heard loud and clear from producers across the nation that one …

Grower Calls for H-2A Fix, Labor Reform

Web AdminLabor

By Frank Giles There’s a farm labor crisis facing American agriculture. Adam Lytch was among the growers who took that message to Washington, D.C., on May 31 to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Lytch, regional manager at L&M Farms, called on lawmakers to consider comprehensive immigration reform that recognizes the needs of farmers who grow the domestic food supply. Lytch, …

Out of Business: Gloomy Future for Florida Blueberry Farmers

Web AdminFlorida

By Clint Thompson Florida’s recent lack of success in profiting from its blueberry crop has prompted some farmers to leave the business altogether. “I already know of three farms for sale. I think you’re going to see a couple of people go out of business,” said Ryan Atwood, who lives in Mount Dora, Florida and farms 56 acres of blueberries, …

Farmer Testimony: There’s No Future in Farming

Web AdminFarm Bill

By Clint Thompson Farming is more than just a specialty crop producer’s occupation; it’s a way of life. That is why growers become emotional when discussing their livelihood that is threatened by surging input costs, unfair trade practices and costly labor alternatives. Michael Hill is one of those farmers that’s been challenged by the current agricultural landscape. He discussed the …

Labor Leads List of Grower Concerns

Web AdminLabor

By Zhengfei Guan and Kuan-Ming Huang In a packed conference room at an industry event, a Florida grower sitting in a discussion panel was asked: “You wake up at 2:00 in the morning. What worries you the most?” “Labor,” answered the grower without a second of doubt. Labor has been an issue that bothers not only Florida farmers but those …

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Farm Groups Express Concern Over New Methodology for Determining AEWR

Web AdminLabor

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published its final rule this week publish to amend how the Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) for the H-2A program are set to improve the rates’ consistency and accuracy based on the work actually performed by the workers and to better prevent H-2A workers’ employment negatively affecting the wages of U.S. workers in similar …