Ag Labor During Seedtime and Harvest within a Global Pandemic: What Agribusinesses Must Know and Do to Survive COVID-19
Topic:
Even farmers who give careful attention to their herds, fields and flocks and the weather know bountiful harvests are never guaranteed. COVID-19 is a serious threat to the U.S. agribusiness industry and will be a major test for food and labor supply chains. Understanding the CARES ACT, various SBA loan programs and the USDA, DOL and OSHA guidance concerning agricultural labor is essential to the survival of the U.S. farming industry. This program will provide direct, practical explanations of the rules of engagement that now control finance, labor and food supply.
Specific topics include:
- Obtaining financing via SBA loans and stimulus package relief
- Comply with OSHA workplace regulations concerning COVID-19
- Current issue and status of H2A and H2B permits
Time and Date:
Wednesday, April 29th, 2020
12:00 – 1:00 (EDT)
Participation:
This webinar is offered free of charge and is limited to the first 100 registrants. It is recommended that you test your computer for software compatibility prior to the webinar by clicking here.
This webinar was recorded on April 29, 2020. To view a recording of this webinar, please click here.
Presenters:
Brandon Davis is a Partner at the New Orleans office of Phelps Dunbar. Brandon has extensive experience in labor and employment issues focusing on immigration matters facing businesses. Specifically, he represents employers and individuals in a variety of immigration matters including civil and criminal worksite enforcement defense, visa petitions for employees, students, investors/traders, intracompany transfers, and family sponsored petitions. In this capacity, he has successfully represented employers and individuals in H-1B visas. He is a frequent speaker on a variety of employment issues and has been a trusted resource for his clients in the face of increased attention to immigration issues.
Nathan Huff is a Partner at the Raleigh office of Phelps Dunbar. Nate is a former federal prosecutor with fifteen years of litigation experience. He concentrates his practice on federal, business and constitutional litigation and white collar defense. As a member of Phelps Dunbar’s agribusiness team, Nate serves as outside general counsel to agribusinesses ranging from start-ups to large farming operations and agricultural associations. He counsels growers on regulatory compliance, labor disputes, and business immigration. Nate is a Lieutenant Colonel and Judge Advocate (JAG) in the U.S. Army Reserve. In that role, the Department of Defense has repeatedly called on him to investigate and prosecute its most high-profile criminal cases.
Michael Williams is a Partner in the New Orleans Office of Phelps Dunbar, LLP. Michael advises clients on all aspects of employee benefits programs, including the design, implementation and compliance of retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and executive and incentive compensation arrangements. He regularly performs due diligence review and analysis for mergers and acquisitions and conducts employee benefits training for legal and non-legal audiences. Michael also counsels nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations on all aspects of their enterprise, such as tax matters and unrelated business income, intermediate sanctions and joint ventures, governance, foundations, endowment funds, charitable/planned giving programs, fundraising and collaborating with donors. Michael’s clients range from private universities to Fortune 500 companies to large nonprofits. He assists these businesses with a variety of issues.
Research & Materials: