Labor

RSS

The Department of Labor is proposing to add additional layers of protection and more timely pay increases for foreign workers enrolled in the temporary H-2A visa program.

As the costs of technologies go down and labor costs go up, farmers in all segments of agriculture see mechanization and artificial intelligence as opportunities to stay ahead. But numerous technological, regulatory and cost challenges will have to be overcome first.

Union members at West Coast ports have voted to ratify a six-year labor contract that was first tentatively agreed upon in June, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association announced.

As farmers and companies in the food and ag sector struggle to find workers, many have increasingly turned to recruiting foreign workers through visa programs, including H-2A. Demand for H-2A workers, who can take seasonal jobs on crop or livestock operations, has been skyrocketing. Meanwhile, others in the sector are trying to use smaller visa programs, such as H-2B or J-1.

Colleges, companies, farm organizations and others around the country are employing innovative thinking to develop the next generation of ag and food employees. Apprenticeships, workforce training, career development and onboarding employees all offer ways for companies to build their future workforce with the talent needed to meet the growing projected job opportunities in the agricultural sector.