Heat awareness and safety concerns continue to be a priority for agricultural employers and their employees. Producers can learn more about heat illness prevention during the 49th Annual Agricultural Labor Relations Forum, scheduled for Sept. 6-8, 2023 at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek. Attendees will learn of the hazards associated with heat illness, resources for employers, compliance and …
Agriculture’s Share in Florida’s Blockbuster Budget
By Frank Giles The Florida Legislature passed a record budget of $116.5 billion as it wrapped up its work on May 5. It was an active session for agriculture. It also was a session in which Gov. Ron DeSantis was looking to score wins prior to announcing his run for president in 2024. DeSantis announced his presidential bid on May …
Action Taken Against Adverse Effect Wage Rates Rule
In late February, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) pushed through a new methodology used to determine the hourly adverse effect wage rates (AEWR) for agricultural employers. The rule became effective March 30. Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) Director of Labor Relations Jamie Fussell discussed the action’s impact on growers: IMPACT ON EMPLOYERSSimply, the new rule may mean that multiple …
Florida Budget’s Impact on Agriculture
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a historic $116.5 billion budget last week for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Included were important victories for the agricultural industry, especially those in the specialty crop sector. The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) sent an email to its members last week, outlying the impact from the budget on the state’s agricultural sector. The University …
Mark Your Calendar: Florida Ag Labor Relations Forum to be held in September
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) encourages specialty crop farmers and industry leaders to mark their calendars for the 49th annual Agricultural Labor Relations Forum. The Florida Specialty Crop Forum will present the three-day event on Sept. 6-8 at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek. Every year the forum educates agricultural employers, which includes producers, shippers, farm labor …
Coalition Calls on Policymakers to Safeguard Produce Supply
The Global Coalition of Fresh Produce recently called on national and international policymakers to implement measures to safeguard the supply of affordable and safe fruits and vegetables worldwide. The coalition also sought to ensure the viability of the fruit and vegetable industry. The coalition made the requests in a report titled Global Value Chains for Fresh Produce: An Urgent Call for …
Hurricane Relief Act Advances
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture on May 11 reported favorably on a bill that would provide relief to Florida agriculture producers harmed by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022. The Block Grant Assistance Act is a bill to ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can provide that relief. The bill will head to the U.S. House floor for a final …
Block Grant Assistance Act Advances
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture on May 11 reported favorably on a bill that would provide relief to Florida agriculture producers harmed by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022. The Block Grant Assistance Act is a bill to ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can provide that relief. The bill will head to the U.S. House floor for a final …
Farmer Testimony: There’s No Future in Farming
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 …
Stuart Scholarship Applications Open
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) reminds college students interested in pursuing a career in the specialty crop industry that the 2023 Stuart Scholarship applications are due Saturday, April 15. The scholarship is available to incoming juniors through graduate program students who intend to pursue a career in the industry. The FFVA created the Mike and Karen Stuart Scholarship in 2021 …