As the use of H-2A guest worker visas has skyrocketed, so has resistance to regulations that would protect this workforce.

States Resist Agricultural Labor Protections While Relying on Temporary Workers

As the hottest state grows even hotter, researchers are recruiting Florida farmworkers to test a heat protection wearable. But will it help?

Can a Wearable Sensor Save Farmworkers From Heat Injuries?

Farm radio is going strong after over a century on the airwaves. Is it ready to face the challenges of the future?

Tuning in From the Tractor

Close-up of a face with sweat and a marijuana plant, featuring CA cannabis warning symbols in the corner.

Since the cannabis industry started to join the legal — and regulated — mainstream, workers who cultivate, process, and harvest the product are fighting for relief from low wages and dangerous working conditions.

Cannabis Workers Speak Out

In Florida — the nation’s hottest state — the Senate voted to kill local heat protection ordinances that could save farmworkers’ lives.

No Rest (Water, or Shade) for the Weary

Thousands of miles from home, Somali refugees in rural Maine have begun to thrive thanks to a cooperative community farm.

Finding Liberation Through Farming

With low incomes and poor access to healthcare, farmworkers suffer an outsized economic impact from a disease many people have never heard of and doctors still misdiagnose. 

Valley Fever Can Devastate Farmworkers and Their Families

Maine has repeatedly floated bills to include farmworkers in the state’s minimum wage law, but the Democratic governor has vetoed it — and laborers say a lack of legal protections makes it impossible for them to speak up.

The Price of Picking Blueberries

Research shows that farmworkers are often exposed to dangerous chemicals with little protective equipment or recourse when they get sick. A slate of bills in the House and Senate could help.

Poisoned by Pesticides

An emergent crop of labels aims to guarantee fair and humane farmworker treatment — but are they actually protecting workers as they claim they are?

A Food Label for Farmworkers

Latino ag workers face significant structural barriers to eventual farm ownership. With the right support, that could change.

From Fieldworkers to Farm Owners

Giving workers a slice of the pie has proven to increase production and solve labor shortages — can it be replicated in other sectors of agriculture?

Profit-Sharing is Taking Root in the Wine Industry

Legislation penalizing companies that employ undocumented workers goes into effect on July 1. Some farmworkers, fearing discrimination and deportation, are already fleeing the state.

Florida’s New Anti-Immigration Law Spells Bad News for Agriculture

Climate change is making agricultural labor more dangerous. The Farm Bill can add key protections.

How a Climate-Smart Farm Bill Can Save Lives

Small farmers and their workers sometimes clash over what comprises fair wages and true educational opportunities.

Are Farm Apprentices and Interns Getting Paid What They Deserve?

Agriculture workers could greatly benefit from proposed legislation mandating PTO during hurricanes, wildfires, and more. But who gets to take it? And who will foot the bill?

A Safety Net for Farmworkers During Climate Disasters

Oregon, Washington, and California are phasing in overtime pay for farmworkers. In response, some employers are simply cutting hours and hiring more workers.

All “Farmworkers” Posts