Category: Uncategorized

National Council of Agricultural Employers’ Statement on Allegations of Misuse of Farm and Food Worker Relief Grant Funds

| Press Release, Uncategorized

March 20, 2024

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Michael Marsh, President and CEO

                (202) 629-9320

(Arlington, VA) It is with great frustration and dismay that the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) learns once again about allegations of the United Farm Workers (UFW) coercion of vulnerable workers and misuse of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm and Food Worker Relief (FFWR) Grant Program. This time the allegations arise from California.

The FFWR program, which began in March 2023, provided one tribal entity and 14 non-profit organizations—including the UFW Foundation—roughly $670 million to issue relief payments of $600 to farmworkers to help defray expenses they incurred preparing for, preventing exposure to, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last May, NCAE wrote to the USDA to warn Secretary Vilsack that agents of the UFW Foundation were reportedly informing farmworkers in New York that they must first sign a UFW union authorization card to obtain their FFWR $600 payment. By coercing workers into signing union cards to receive those funds, these workers now must pay the union 3% of their wages in dues.

“At the time, NCAE shared our concerns with USDA that UFW Foundation agents were targeting New York farmworkers specifically because of a new card check law that allows a union to become the authorized bargaining representative with 51% of the workforce signing a union authorization card. The New York legislature had abandoned the farmworker protections inherent in a secret ballot union election, exposing New York farmworkers to UFW shenanigans,” shared Michael Marsh, President and CEO of NCAE. “We stressed that if UFW Foundation or their agents are misleading farmworkers by claiming it is a requirement to sign a union authorization card before UFW Foundation does what it is required to as a grantee under the FFWR program, that is clearly a misuse of Federal funds and should be referred to the Office of the Inspector General to investigate.”

The USDA replied that they would conduct additional training to prevent this type of abuse.

Frustratingly, any additional training that may have occurred has not changed the UFW’s deceitful practices. The allegations we now hear from farmworkers in California are nearly identical to those we shared with USDA 10 months ago.

Once again, UFW organizers are reportedly targeting farmworkers in California—a state with a new card check law.

Once again, farmworkers have expressed, now with 148 written declarations, that they were tricked, lied to, and coerced by UFW organizers into signing a union card to receive the $600 relief payment for which they were eligible.

Once again, NCAE is asking Secretary Vilsack and the USDA’s Office of Inspector General to investigate these repeated, extremely public allegations of misuse of federal grant funds.

“The purpose of the FFWR grant was to help farmworkers with pandemic-related health and safety costs, not to pad the pockets of UFW. USDA entrusted UFW Foundation with almost $98 million in funding to issue FFWR payments to farmworkers. Up to 10% of that award can be retained by the organization for administrative costs,” said Marsh. “It is Secretary Vilsack’s duty to ensure those remaining funds reach workers regardless of their union affiliation and without being tricked into joining the UFW.”

NCAE is the national trade association focusing on agricultural labor issues from the employer’s viewpoint.

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NCAE Announces Competition Ahead of Annual Meeting

| Press Release, Uncategorized

December 15, 2023

For Immediate Release

Contact:            Michael Marsh, President and CEO

                             (202) 629-9320

(Arlington, VA) The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) announced that it is once again throwing down the gauntlet to search for the best of the best in the agriculture community.

“NCAE wants to elevate and recognize those members who represent what is best about the American agricultural community,” said Michael Marsh, NCAE’s President and CEO.  “As we announced during our Ag Employer Labor Forum earlier this year, this competition will recognize one member who is making a positive impact on their community and another member for having the best farmworker housing.”

The first award category, the Doing Good Award, is to honor someone who encapsulates the amazing spirit we see so often among the agricultural community. “This award is for the people who go the extra mile, take time to help those in need even when it is inconvenient, give back to their community and elevate others around them,” noted Marsh.

The second award category, the Best Farmworker Housing Award, is to celebrate employers who go above and beyond when it comes to taking care of the people they work with every day. “This is for a member who displays that care through their investment in housing for their workers,” Marsh explained.

Each of the two winners will receive a bottle of beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon from the Mercer Ranches Block 93 production as NCAE acknowledges members for doing the right thing.

Members are encouraged to nominate themselves and others for both awards. Details on this recognition and how to participate can be found at ncaeonline.org

NCAE is the national trade association focusing on agricultural labor issues from the employer’s viewpoint.

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NCAE Petitions Acting Secretary Su to Change Wage Methodology

| Press Release, Uncategorized

December 12, 2023

For Immediate Release

Contact:            Michael Marsh, President and CEO

                             (202) 629-9320

(Arlington, VA) The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) today petitioned Acting Department of Labor Secretary Julie Su to amend the regulatory methodology for determining adverse effect wage rates in the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program.

“America’s farm and ranch families and American consumers continue to bear the brunt of the Department of Labor’s (DOL) misuse of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Labor Survey (FLS) and other nonfarm wage rates in establishing mandatory minimum wage rates in the H-2A program,” noted Michael Marsh, President and CEO of NCAE.  “The willful failure of the Department in carrying out its mandate from the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) of determining no adverse effect on the domestic workforce due to the employment of H-2A Temporary Workers must come to an immediate halt.  American agriculture’s foreign competition has been the beneficiary of the DOL’s malign neglect of its responsibility, and this neglect jeopardizes U.S. national security.” 

Today more than 60% of the fresh fruit consumed in the United States and greater than 40% of the fresh vegetables consumed are produced by America’s competitors.  U.S. farm and ranch families are at a tipping point in sustaining their legacy family farming and ranching operations and the DOL’s misuse of data for purposes for which it was never intended, will ensure that for some, their family legacy will end with this generation.

“The Department must change course,” said Marsh. “American consumers deserve food produced ethically and sustainably in the United States and American farm and ranch families deserve the opportunity to compete in the American market.  Acting Secretary Su must act quickly to grant this petition and hear the economic arguments against the Department’s continued misuse of data that is creating a calamity in rural America.  The economic arguments are crystal clear that there exists no adverse effect on the domestic workforce due to the employment of H-2A workers and consequently, the mandate of a wage rate by the Department is a solution in search of a problem.”

NCAE is the national trade association focusing on agricultural labor issues from the employer’s viewpoint.

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NCAE Announces ‘Diamond Anniversary’ for Upcoming 60th Annual Meeting of Members

| Press Release, Uncategorized

December 5, 2023

For Immediate Release

Contact:            Michael Marsh, President and CEO

                             (202) 629-9320

NCAE Announces ‘Diamond Anniversary’ for Upcoming 60th Annual Meeting of Members

(Arlington, VA) The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) announced today the opening of registration for the 60th Annual Meeting which will be held February 13 – 15, 2024, at the Holiday Inn Washington Capitol in Washington, D.C. Each year, NCAE’s members gather in the Nation’s capital along with key leaders in the agricultural employment and labor communities from across the United States and around the world.   

“NCAE’s Annual Meeting is a must-attend event for agricultural employers nationwide as it offers an opportunity to interact with the Federal representatives that impact their farm and ranch operations as well as their daily lives,” said Michael Marsh, NCAE’s President and CEO.

Attendees of NCAE’s 60th Annual Meeting will enjoy a special opportunity to celebrate this important anniversary in the organization’s history at the much-anticipated wine reception at the conclusion of the first day. The wine reception will feature delicious hors d’oeuvres and wonderful wines generously donated by Mercer Ranches.

“Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event that reaches attendees nationwide,” said Marsh.

Details on the Annual Meeting and how to participate can be found at ncaeonline.org

NCAE is the national trade association focusing on agricultural labor issues from the employer’s viewpoint.

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Special Guest USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to Join NCAE Webinar “Unpacking USDA’s Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program”

| Press Release, Uncategorized

October 13, 2023 

For Immediate Release

Contact:            Michael Marsh, President and CEO

                             (202) 629-9320

(Arlington, VA) The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) is pleased to announce a special installment of its educational webinar series focusing on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP). The FLSP will award up to $65 million in grants to support agricultural employers in implementing robust labor standards on farms and ranches while facilitating lawful migration pathways through the H-2A temporary worker program.

The webinar will be led by Julie Kurtz, an agricultural economist in the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack will make a special guest appearance to encourage agricultural employers to take part in the FLSP. The webinar will begin at 3:00 pm ET/12:00 pm PT on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.

“Agricultural employers are keen to learn more about the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Grant Program,” noted Michael Marsh, President and CEO of NCAE.  “The webinar will cover and attempt to answer employer questions about the FLSP and how they might participate. NCAE is thrilled to host Secretary Vilsack on this important webinar. We encourage all agricultural employers to join us for this webinar to discover whether this Program might be a good opportunity for their operation.”

Registration for this important webinar is free, open to the public, and is available at ncaeonline.org.  Marsh noted, “Our webinars are extremely popular and typically fill up very quickly. Please register as soon as possible to ensure you secure your spot in this important discussion.”

NCAE is the national trade association focusing on agricultural labor issues from the employer’s viewpoint.

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NCAE Reveals Agenda for 10th Ag Employer Labor Forum

| Press Release, Uncategorized

October 10, 2023 

(Washington, D.C.) The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) announces that the highly anticipated agenda for its 10th Annual Ag Employer Labor Forum has been revealed. The event opens November 29th and runs through December 1st, 2023. The Forum is being held at the beautiful M Resort just outside Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Labor Forum will provide attendees with an opportunity to engage with industry leaders in in-depth discussions regarding the wide array of issues impacting agricultural employers.

“This year’s Labor Forum is shaping up to be the best yet with hot topics that agricultural employers cannot miss,” noted Michael Marsh, NCAE’s President and CEO. “We have stimulating speakers discussing timely topics for employers where attendees can receive continuing education credit from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).”

Attorneys, academics, agents, and representatives from federal agencies and foreign governments will be on hand to dive headfirst into labor issues facing US agricultural employers. Rulemaking changes, cutting edge reports on agricultural labor data and expert-led presentations on the latest legislation impacting farm and ranch operations will be highlighted, as will compliance issues relative to ag employment.

Also featured this year are concurrent sessions highlighting not only hot legal topics facing ag employers, tips to navigate the administration’s activist regulatory hammer, and compliance considerations for Farm Labor Contractors, but also how to responsibly recruit high quality employees in a cost-effective manner.

And, just for fun, the evening of the Forum’s first day will be topped off with a winetasting reception featuring premium Washington wines from Mercer Ranches. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with the Forum’s many sponsors, network with other agricultural employers and unwind after a day filled with engaging speakers and information. The wines will be paired with delicious hors d’oeuvres for attendees to enjoy.

“With all of the activity in the agricultural labor space this year, this year’s Forum is an event not to miss,” stated Marsh.

To check out the tentative agenda and to register for this exciting event go to ncaeonline.org/events

NCAE is the national trade association focusing on agricultural labor issues from the employer’s viewpoint.

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NCAE Opens Registration for 10th Annual Ag Labor Forum

| Press Release, Uncategorized

September 11, 2023 

(Washington, D.C.) The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) announced today the opening of registration for the 10th Annual Ag Labor Forum which will be held November 29 – December 1, 2023, at the beautiful M Resort just outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Each year, NCAE’s event brings together key leaders in the agricultural employment and labor communities from across the United States and around the world.  

Attorneys, academics, agents, as well as representatives from federal agencies and foreign governments will delve into labor issues facing US agricultural employers. Recent litigation, rulemaking changes and reports on cutting edge legislation impacting farm and ranch operations nationwide will be highlighted, as will compliance issues relative to ag employment. 

NCAE has developed exciting new programming to help celebrate NCAE’s 10th Ag Labor Forum. This year’s speakers feature a diverse range of topics including how employers can protect themselves in the face of union activity, hot topics in ag labor safety, tax issues relative to ag employment and many others.

Also featured this year are concurrent sessions highlighting the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Visa Program. Attendees at these stimulating sessions, along with many others throughout the Forum, are eligible to receive continuing education credit from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). 

“Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event that reaches hundreds of attendees,” said Marsh. “Of course, NCAE Members receive a significant discount off registration fees. This event offers members and nonmembers both a “look under the hood” of the battles NCAE wages in Congress and with federal agencies on behalf of agricultural employers. This is a must-attend event!” 

Registration for the Labor Forum, H-2A Day and NCAE’s discounted room block, can be accessed by going to www.ncaeonline.org. 

NCAE is the national trade association focusing on agricultural labor issues from the employer’s viewpoint. 

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NCAE Announces New Opportunity to Vaccinate Farmworkers

| Uncategorized

September 9, 2021

For Immediate Release

Contact: Michael Marsh, President and CEO
(202) 629-9320

NCAE Announces New Opportunity to Vaccinate Farmworkers

(Washington, D.C.) The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) announced today that the Council’s ongoing collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has resulted in another new opportunity to protect farmworkers from COVID-19.

“Earlier this year, NCAE members participated with the CDC in a pilot project to test H-2A workers for COVID and quarantine any infected workers in Mexico prior to transiting to their temporary jobs in the States,” noted Michael Marsh, President and CEO. “This pilot project was successful in identifying not only a very low incidence of infection (1.3% based on preliminary data), but also an opportunity to collaborate to protect farmworker health and protect U.S. public health.”

Subsequently, the successful CDC/NCAE collaboration resulted in an opportunity to vaccinate farmworkers in San Diego County after entry for agricultural positions in the United States from Tijuana. This latest opportunity capitalizes upon those prior positive outcomes and expands it.
Marsh stated that, “NCAE is partnering with the CDC and the National Center for Farmworker Health (NCFH) to help facilitate free COVID-19 vaccinations. This facilitation includes resources, training, and technical assistance to support COVID-19 mitigation strategies and vaccination efforts among agricultural workers.”
Agricultural employers interested in participating in this terrific opportunity should email NCAE’s Manager of Association Services Susan Lester at [email protected] or Matt Solberg, NCFH Partner Engagement Coordinator at [email protected] for details.

“The safety of essential farmworkers is of paramount importance to agricultural employers and NCAE is excited about this new opportunity to assist farm and ranch families in protecting the workers who feed and clothe us from the deadly COVID pandemic, while protecting public health at the same time,” said Marsh.
NCAE is the national trade association focusing on agricultural labor issues from the employer’s viewpoint.

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