State cancels ag labor shortage estimates - AgMinute for June 24, 2014

The state of Washington has canceled the only monthly measurement of seasonal agricultural labor shortages right when tree fruit growers are concerned about having enough pickers for large cherry and apple crops. Click here for the full story

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H-2A minimum wage drops - AgMinute for January 8, 2014

H-2A minimum wage has dropped in Washington and Oregon because the supply of labor was better in 2013 than 2012, the Washington Farm Labor Association says. Click here for the full story

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ICE issues I-9 audits - AgMinute for November 15, 2013

WENATCHEE, Wash. — A large tree fruit company in Wenatchee and a smaller one in the Okanogan are undergoing federal I-9 audits that could cost them employees, the director of the Washington Farm Labor Association says. Click here for the full story

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Not enough pickers - AgMinute for September 20, 2013

Some Washington apple growers say they don't have enough pickers. Others say they have enough. Usage of foreign guest workers has increased. Click here for the full story

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Asparagus bonanza — Washington AgMinute for March 6, 2013

Good money awaits growers in asparagus but it's hard to get farmers interested because pickers are hard to find, an industry expert says.

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Immigration reform — Washington AgMinute for Jan. 31, 2013

President Barack Obama missed an opportunity to lead on immigration reform while eight senators showed more courage with their bipartisan bill, says Dan Fazio, the director of the Washington Farm Labor Association.

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Seeking workers — Washington AgMinute for Jan. 30, 2013

The Washington Farm Labor Association will escort several employers from Washington state to a job fair in Nogales, Mexico, to recruit H-2A guestworkers.

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Pickers wanted — Washington AgMinute for Jan. 14, 2013

A record number of people worked in Washington's record apple harvest this past fall, but still some apples were left on trees because more pickers were needed, sources say.

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Too few workers - Washington AgMinute for Oct. 16, 2012

The labor shortage in Washington's apple harvest appears worse than last year and some fruit likely is being left unpicked.

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Smoke in the orchards - Washington AgMinute for Sept. 26

Smoke from wildfires may have slowed Central Washington's pear and apple harvest already challenged by a shortage of pickers. Smoke has caused picker fatigue, which could increase as the smoke lingers, some growers said.

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