Farm Labor Archives - National Agricultural Law Center
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In: Farm Labor

State Labor Legislation: 2024 Update

In 2022, the agricultural and food sectors provided approximately ten percent of employment in the United States. So far, in 2024,...

Department of Labor Finalizes New H-2A Regulations

Labor is in high demand for agriculture in the United States (“U.S.”) and the H-2A visa program is an important component...

Federal Bills Propose Changes to the H-2A Program

In 2022, agriculture and food related jobs accounted for approximately ten percent of employment in the United States. H-2A workers play...

U.S. Department of Labor Finalizes Independent Contractor Rule

Classifying workers as “employees” or “independent contractors” is an important task for agricultural employers because of the legal obligations and protections...

Challenges to the 2023 U.S. Department of Labor H-2A AEWR Methodology Rule

The H-2A program, which allows employers to employ foreign nationals to fill temporary U.S. agricultural jobs, plays an essential role in...

Recent Federal and State Legislation to Amend Child Labor Laws

Agriculture can be a hazardous occupation, and adding child workers into the equation can lead to even more dangerous situations. During...

DOL, DHS, and USDA Launch New Proposed Rules and Initiatives Affecting H-2 Programs

The H-2A program allows agricultural employers to hire foreign workers when there is a shortage in domestic labor. According to Philp...

Recent Federal and State Heat Safety Proposals

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2011 and 2021, there were 436 work-related deaths attributed to environmental heat exposure....

Independent Contractors v. Employees

Various state and federal laws require agricultural employers to classify their workers to help determine the legal responsibilities that the employer...

Workers’ Compensation for Agricultural Workers

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries to work in....

Collective Bargaining Rights for Farmworkers

When the federal National Labor Relations Act was passed, it guaranteed collective bargaining power to all workers in the United States....

Rights of H-2A Workers

H-2A agricultural guest workers (“H-2A workers”) are in the United States as part of a visa program for short-term agricultural labor...

Ag and Food Law Daily Update: March 15, 2022

A comprehensive summary of today’s judicial, legislative, and regulatory developments in agriculture and food. Email important additions HERE.        ...

Child Labor Laws

It is common practice in the agricultural community for children and teens to work on a farm or ranch.  In many...

Changes to State Overtime & Minimum Wages for the Agriculture Industry

Introduction The Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) is a law passed by Congress that, among other things, sets the federal standards...