Tag: dol

Exciting News: Federal Officials Announce Their Participation in NCAE’s Ag Labor Forum

| Press Release, Uncategorized

 

Exciting News: Federal Officials Announce Their Participation in NCAE’s Ag Labor Forum

(Arlington, VA) U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden have confirmed their participation in the National Council of Agricultural Employers’ 2025 Ag Employer Labor Forum. The Forum takes place this December 3-5th at the beautiful and newly expanded M Resort, just outside Las Vegas, NV.

“We are incredibly proud that the regulatory community understands how critical it is to have their participation at this event,” shared Michael Marsh, NCAE’s President and CEO. “America’s farmers and ranchers deserve an engaged community of regulators and policy makers, and we are thrilled to provide this opportunity to our Labor Forum attendees so they can do just that.”

NCAE recently released a blockbuster lineup for the 2025 Labor Forum, reflecting the Council’s fervent commitment to providing members and the wider farming and ranching community with cutting-edge knowledge and resources so that they can make the best business decisions to sustain their agricultural operations, American agriculture, and family farms and ranches for generations to come.

“We are excited,” noted Marsh, “to join with our members and America’s great agricultural community to delve into and discuss the things many employers need to know to protect and keep their farms and ranches successful for this generation and generations we hope to follow. This event has become a cornerstone for America’s agricultural employers, and with all the activity in the community over the past few months, engagement at this event has never been more important.”

“This year’s Forum features a compelling range of topics that have America’s agricultural community excited,” noted Marsh. “Attendees will enjoy our engaging expert sessions and speakers who will guide the audience through deep depths while they examine a wide breadth of agricultural topics.”

This Forum offers an incredible diversity of ag labor leaders and legal experts to unpack the complex regulatory and legislative web in which agricultural employers find themselves.

Day One is all about action: Attendees will learn what’s next for ag employers and how to effectively fight for a brighter future. The essential session, “Canaries in the Coal Mine,” moderated by Ryan Ayres (Director of Human Resources for FirstFruits Farms), features agricultural leaders discussing challenges agricultural employers are experiencing at the hands of out-of-control state governments. Then, Joel Anderson (NCAE Executive Committee Chairman and owner of Anderson Immigration Law) hosts the fireside chat, “Going on Offense,” with Kimberly Hermann (President of Southeastern Legal Foundation) to map out a proactive litigation strategy for farmers and ranchers.

NCAE’s marquee session, “Eye of the Storm,” will take place on Day Two of the Forum. This session will examine the Department of Labor’s recently announced Interim Final Rule (IFR).

This marquee session will bring together a panel with national expertise and insights, including Jamie Fussell (Director of Labor Relations at Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association), Alexandra E. Hill (Assistant Professor at University of California, Berkeley), Chris Schulte Partner at Fisher Phillps), Phil Martin (Professor Emeritus of Agricultural and Resource Economics at University of California, Davis), Samantha Ayoub (Economist at American Farm Bureau Federation), and Shawn Packer (Partner at JPH Law).

Together, the panel of agricultural experts will dissect the impact of the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) Interim Final Rule (IFR) and provide their thoughts about what the future holds for the IFR and American agriculture. The IFR, published on October 2, 2025, modifies the methodology used to calculate the AEWR. The Department estimated the new methodology will save American farmers and ranchers $2.46 billion and $17.29 billion over 10 years.

Later that afternoon, attendees will have the option to choose between a variety of engaging breakout sessions that touch on an incredible breadth of topics. Forum sessions include an interactive H-2A compliance workshop, a facilitated discussion focused on taking charge of the agricultural narrative, an examination of the challenges and opportunities that artificial intelligence (AI) present for the agricultural industry, an H-2A Tax Clinic, sessions on best practices and advanced strategies for ag employers, and much, much more.

Attendees of 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).

The blockbuster event will conclude with insights and remarks from even more blockbuster speakers. On the third and final day of the Forum, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with representatives from the federal agencies involved in regulating the agricultural community.

As mentioned above, NCAE’s Labor Forum will proudly host two high-ranking officials representing the Trump Administration. U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer recently confirmed her participation in this critical event. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden will engage with attendees to deliver essential updates and insights that are shaping the future of America’s farming and ranching community.

Likewise, attendees will have the opportunity to have their questions answered by a wide and varied array of representatives with extensive H-2A insights. Dan Armenise, a Policy Advisor with the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, and team members from Mission Mexico, will engage in an interactive discussion with agricultural employers about State’s role in the H-2A program and what farmers and ranchers can do to facilitate smoother processing. Ruben Rosalez, the Western Region Administrator for Wage and Hour, will also participate.

“With all the ongoing activity in the agricultural labor space,” noted Marsh, “this year’s Forum is a must-attend event.”

Ag Employer Labor PAC – Cultivating Agricultural Champions:

The Ag Employer Labor PAC will host a dinner on December 2, 2025, the evening prior to the start of the NCAE Ag Employer Labor Forum. The PAC aims to grow and cultivate relationships with Members of Congress interested in championing the agricultural community.

Attendees will enjoy a private, upscale, donors-only dinner at Hostile Grape, the luxurious and excusive wine cellar at the M Resort accompanied by wonderful wine, delicious food, live music, spectacular surprises, and a special guest speaker who is sure to enthrall, engage and expand the horizons for all who attend.  This year, attendees will also have a chance to win an exciting array of prizes including an overnight stay, golf, and dinner at a luxurious location and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ring the cowbell to start the Forum.

The PAC dinner will is held and ticketed separately from the Labor Forum. Attendees of the Forum are encouraged to consider whether they might wish to take part in this exclusive and entertaining evening focused on improving the outlook for ag employers nationwide and cultivating champions for ag labor issues in the Congress.

Individuals may indicate their interest by accessing the PAC Dinner registration page. 

Contributions to the Ag Employer Labor PAC are non-deductible for income tax purposes and may not include contributions made by nor on behalf of a corporation.

Forum Registration & Room Block:

To secure your spot at the Forum and take advantage of discounted room rates at the M Resort, visit NCAE’s Labor Forum registration page today.

About NCAE:

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

-30-

 

Download Article

John Hollay to lead National Council of Agricultural Employers

| Press Release, Uncategorized

 

John Hollay to lead National Council of Agricultural Employers

(Arlington, VA) Joel Anderson, owner of Anderson Immigration Law and chairman of the National Council of Agricultural Employers’ (NCAE) Executive Committee announced today that following an exhaustive national search, the Executive Committee of NCAE has selected John Hollay as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. He will replace Michael Marsh, the retiring executive who has led NCAE since 2017. Hollay will assume the role on January 1st, 2026.

John joins NCAE after serving in the role of Director, Government Relations, of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) after serving in the same role with IFPA’s predecessor United Fresh. John previously served as Vice President of Government Relations with National Milk Producers Federation after working on Capitol Hill with Representative Joseph Courtney. Hollay also served on the Board of Directors for NCAE. John is a graduate of the University of Connecticut.

“The Selection Committee faced the daunting task of finding the right candidate to carry the torch following Michael’s leadership – to build on the momentum NCAE has generated; someone to lead the organization forward,” noted Anderson. “The Council’s position attracted a tremendous group of candidates from all over the country. After interviewing a group of top tier candidates, the Selection Committee agreed that John possesses the necessary experience, qualities, and talents to carry NCAE forward. John will help the Council as we continue our mission in agricultural labor, supporting the world’s greatest food producers.”

NCAE Vice Chairman Ryan Ayres, Director of Human Resources for FirstFruits Farms commented, “the Selection Committee recognized that, in order to best orient the Council for success in the future, we need a leader who has a strong reputation, willingness to work collaboratively and ability to communicate effectively the needs of America’s farmers and ranchers to those decisionmakers in Washington, D.C. John fit that bill.”

“I am honored that the Executive Committee selected me to work with the Council,” said Hollay. “We are at an exciting moment for American agriculture with the opportunity for regulatory and legislative reform. Much more is needed so that American farmers and ranchers can stay competitive in markets at home and abroad. I am excited to step into this role and work alongside such a passionate and dedicated agricultural community. Together, we will cultivate a stronger future.”

-30-

 

Download Article

Reality Check: NCAE, Agricultural Community Celebrates as Agricultural Wages Reined in Toward Reality

| Press Release, Uncategorized

 

Reality Check: NCAE, Agricultural Community Celebrates as Agricultural Wages Reined in Toward Reality

(Arlington, VA) The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE), its members, and the agricultural community nationwide are celebrating a recent announcement from the Department of Labor (DOL) that it will provide much-needed relief to America’s farmers and ranchers. In an Interim Final Rule previewed earlier today, DOL announced that it will take action to rein in agricultural wages, to try and bring them back toward reality.

“For years,” explained Michael Marsh, NCAE’s President and CEO, “federal bureaucrats held a regulatory gun to America’s farm and ranch families’ heads, forcing them to pay an escalating, imaginary wage for farm jobs. These wages were untethered to reality or the market. Likewise, for years, NCAE has fought nonstop against mandated wage rates disconnected from the market and worked to have the Department put an end to this bureaucratic nightmare.”

“After undergoing years of regulatory abuse, often influenced by anti-American farmer activists, the agricultural community is grateful to Secretary Chavez-DeRemer, Deputy Secretary Sonderling, Secretary Rollins, Deputy Secretary Vaden, and the leadership at DOL and USDA for doing what it takes to put America’s farm and ranch families first. Their swift action and attention to the calls for action from the American agricultural community will result in an estimated $2.4 billion dollars returned to family farmers’ and ranchers’ pockets.”

“Farm and ranch families are undergoing a crisis, largely due to out-of-control wage rates, putting family farms, U.S. production, and rural America at risk. At a time where the number of farms is plummeting and the U.S. production is fleeing to our foreign competition, this IFR is a welcome change which we hope to start to turn that tide. Returning control over wages to the market rather than to a bureaucrat’s whimsy gives America’s farmers and ranchers a real chance to compete on the market against foreign competitors.”

In the IFR, DOL explains that “[t]here is ample data showing immediate dangers to the American food supply,” caused by these inherently inflationary wages, which posed, “an imminent risk to the supply of agricultural labor by setting unreasonably high price floors on labor.” This IFR works to address these threats to American agriculture by implementing a methodology it believes results in more “precise market-based price floors that still serves its statutory function of protecting American workers, but also, ensures that American supermarkets and U.S. consumers will have access to safe, affordable and American-grown produce.”

DOL’s IFR comes just weeks after the Department’s 2023 AEWR suffered a long list of legal challenges and losses, including a challenge involving NCAE. These litigation efforts were instrumental in dismantling this wrongheaded regulation. The final death knell for the 2023 rule came when a federal court in Louisiana vacated the DOL’s 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) Methodology rule which incorporated wage data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) to set wages for non-range agricultural occupations. DOL subsequently released an announcement that essentially scales the wage rate to a 2010 regulation that defaulted to use of the Farm Labor Survey (FLS) for establishing wage rates. Following that announcement, USDA made the determination to discontinue surveys, reducing paperwork burden, and further administration of the FLS program. USDA’s decision created a regulatory vacuum which this IFR attempts to fill.

The IFR provides farmers and ranchers with a new wage mechanism which agricultural employers are required to pay. The new wage rates rely solely on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics as the source for wages for each state. Under this new rubric, employers are also granted downward compensation adjustments to the applicable AEWRs which employers can apply on wages paid to H-2A workers who receive free housing.

“According to the USDA’s most recent Census of Agriculture from 2022,” noted Marsh, “America lost 140,000 farms and ranches in the five years from 2017 to 2022. At the same time the nation fallowed more than 20 million acres. Already, too many family farms and ranches have been forced to sell farmland, offshore production or otherwise stop operations altogether. A chief reason for this crisis that has crippled rural America has been the exploding, unrealistic cost of labor. The agricultural community is grateful for the Trump administration’s attention to the community’s urgent call for help. With wage rates reined in back toward reality, we are hopeful that America’s family farmers and ranchers can get back to doing what they do best, feeding America and the world. This is an incredible moment for American agriculture.”

NCAE recently announced a special panel, “Eye of the Storm: Investigating the IFR for American Ag,” which the Council will host at the upcoming 2025 Ag Employer Labor Forum, taking place December 3-5 at the M Resort in Las Vegas. Agricultural economists and regulatory experts will unpack what the changes contained in the IFR mean for America’s agricultural community. Members of NCAE and members of the agricultural community at-large are encouraged to register to attend this exciting panel discussion.

“Our members and the agricultural community at-large are excited by the opportunity for much overdue relief from out-of-control Adverse Effect Wage Rates,” stated Marsh. “This is a pivotal moment for the agricultural community – one that could make or break the future for many of America’s farm and ranch families for generations to come. We are excited to unpack this critical rule and so much more with our attendees in Las Vegas.”

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

-30-

 

Download Article

Florida, National Ag Groups Applaud Decision Vacating  2023 AEWR Rule

| Press Release, Uncategorized

Florida, National Ag Groups Applaud Decision Vacating  2023 AEWR Rule

Groups call for recission of remaining methodology

ORLANDO, FLA. (August 27, 2025)

Earlier today, a federal court in Louisiana vacated the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) Methodology rule, bringing a much-needed measure of wage stability for agricultural employers as Florida growers prepare for their upcoming season.

“The AEWR Methodology rule drastically increased costs for growers and exacerbated the agricultural labor crisis,” said Jamie Fussell, director of labor relations for the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA). “We’re grateful to Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for her handling of this case and for recognizing the sense of urgency that is still needed to stabilize wages for agriculture.”

The rule, published Feb. 28, 2023, based the H-2A program’s AEWRs on the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey in addition to the Farm Labor Survey (FLS), applying permanent, non-agricultural wage data to seasonal agricultural jobs and subjecting growers to wage increases every six months.

“The vacating of the rule is great news, and we thank Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for recognizing the unlawful nature of the AEWR rule,” said Michael Marsh, president of the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE). “This decision brings welcome wage relief to some growers who had been subjected to these ‘special’ wage rates for routine tasks done on the farm for generations.”

“At a time when our growers are facing unprecedented challenges, we appreciate Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s recognition of the threat that the AEWR Methodology rule brought to the long-term sustainability of agriculture in Florida and across the nation.” said Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM). “We look forward to working with the Administration to continue bringing much-needed reforms to the H-2A program to ensure a legal and reliable workforce for growing and harvesting Florida’s signature citrus crop.”

“As we prepare for our next strawberry season, we’re grateful for the sense of relief and reprieve this decision will bring,” said Michelle Williamson of G&F and Franberry Farms.

For years, agricultural groups in Florida and across the country have advocated for reforms to the AEWR methodology but had to wait until the 2023 rule to challenge the AEWR in court. Once published, plaintiffs – including FFVA, FCM, Florida Growers Association, G&F Farms, Franberry Farms, and NCAE – filed suit in federal court in Tampa, seeking to invalidate the new OEWS methodology and the existing FLS methodology, and challenging DOL’s application of adverse effect.

“Today’s action is welcomed by the agricultural community, but final relief from the remaining AEWR methodology is still needed to ensure growers in labor intensive agriculture throughout the United States can remain viable.” said Paul Meador, Florida Growers Association.

Though the court in Louisiana granted relief from the OEWS-based AEWR, the FLS-based AEWR is still effective, and the underlying premise of adverse effect remains unresolved. Without further action, Florida growers will continue to be subject to the volatile FLS-based AEWR, which spiked nearly 10% this past year and 15% just two years ago.

Faced with a worsening shortage of domestic labor, growers have reluctantly turned to the legal H-2A program. Its burdensome regulations are making the program too costly to use, forcing farmers to make tough operational decisions and jeopardizing the future of American agriculture and our nation’s food security. “We have much work left to do,” said Marsh. “Farmers must have relief if we are going to continue to produce food in America.”

# # #

Media Contacts:

Christina Morton, FFVA, [email protected], (321) 214-5206

Michael Marsh, NCAE, [email protected], (202) 629-9320

Joint Statement – Florida, National Ag Groups Applaud Decision Vacating 2023 AEWR Rule Joint Statement – Florida, National Ag Groups Applaud Decision Vacating 2023 AEWR Rule

Download Article

NCAE Celebrates Suspension of Worker Protection Rule

| Press Release, Uncategorized

June 22, 2025

For Immediate Release

Contact:       Michael Marsh, President and CEO

                        (202) 629-9320

NCAE Celebrates Suspension of Worker Protection Rule

(Arlington, VA) The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE), its members, and the agricultural community nationwide are celebrating the suspension of a rule that falsely cast shade on America’s agricultural community.

Late Friday afternoon, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that they are suspending the “Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agriculture Employment in the United States” Rule, commonly known as the Worker Protection Rule. The announcement of the suspension comes after various parts of the Rule were enjoined in multiple District Courts because of legal action brought by NCAE and other agricultural organizations throughout the United States.

“NCAE and our members were shocked and offended by the promulgation of the Worker Protection Rule,” explained Michael Marsh, NCAE’s President and CEO. “America’s farm and ranch families care about their workers and work each day to ensure that their business operations are in compliance with local, state and federal regulations at significant expense.”

“From the outset, it was clear that the pejorative nature and tenor of the Rule was intended to feed and foster false and inappropriate narratives about America’s agricultural community. America’s farmers and ranchers are excited and relieved that this Administration put this Rule out to pasture.”

“NCAE met with the Department just after this proposed regulation was published to warn them that the Rule was fatally flawed. In that meeting, the Council explained that the NPRM was an inartful and undisguised attempt to circumvent the Supreme Court’s decision in Cedar Point Nursery v. Hassid (2021). It was also violative of the will of Congress under the National Labor Relations Act of 1935. NCAE told the Department it is not the role of regulators to legislate. That role belongs solely to Congress under Article I of the Constitution.”

“The Department frustratingly did not heed the advice of the agricultural community and promulgated the Rule in 2024. However, America’s farmers and ranchers do not back down from a fight when the cause is just and the battle is necessary,” said Marsh.

As a result of their poor judgement in promulgating a rule that was both inappropriate in nature and offensive to the agricultural community, the Department was met with legal action brought by NCAE alongside legal actions brought by our agricultural colleagues once the Rule was finalized. Those legal actions resulted in three injunctions against the regulation in different jurisdictions. The Courts agreed with America’s farm and ranch families.

“Finally, after three different Courts blocked the rule three different times, it appears the Department finally agrees with NCAE and our colleagues,” explained Marsh. “We are glad we could convince them that America’s farm and ranch families are deserving of support, not false shade. This is a big win for America’s agricultural employers and the people working alongside them who are critical to our nation’s food security.”

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

-30-

 

Download Article

Judge Sets Hearing Date For Challenge to Adverse Effect Wage Rate

| Press Release, Uncategorized

June 2 2025

For Immediate Release

Contact:       Michael Marsh, President and CEO

                        (202) 629-9320

Judge Sets Hearing Date For Challenge to Adverse Effect Wage Rate

(Arlington, VA) A Federal U.S. District judge in the Middle District of Florida has decided that the next step in a yearslong battle for farmers’ and ranchers’ rights to make their own business decisions can take place. After months of delay and dragging-on, U.S. District Court Judge Charlene Honeywell set a date for oral arguments in the National Council of Agricultural Employers’ (NCAE) Motion for Summary Judgment challenging the legality of the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR).

After receiving a third request from the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the court to issue a 90-day stay in the Council’s litigation, Judge Honeywell denied the stay. The Court noted that the “latest motion fails to demonstrate that an additional stay is appropriate at this time, particularly in light of plaintiffs’ allegations of ongoing harm.” NCAE’s challenge of this unlawful rule began in April 2023 following the Biden Administration’s promulgation of the AEWR Final Rule in February 2023.

“We are grateful to the court for disallowing unending delay tactics,” stated Michael Marsh, NCAE’s President and CEO. “America’s agricultural community is being forced to foot-the-bill of this illegal wage rate with each passing pay period. America’s farmers and ranchers need relief and need it now.”

Oral arguments on NCAE’s Motion for Summary Judgment on the AEWR rule are now scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Federal District Court in Tampa.

“The overzealous Biden Administration’s DOL forced America’s farm and ranch families to pay this unlawful wage for years, costing them billions as our food production moves offshore at an alarming rate,” stated Marsh. “If the grocery-buying public wishes to find American-grown food on their grocery shelves, this regulation must be stopped. The deference the Court afforded the DOL in finding the regulation could not be enjoined, was overruled by the Supreme Court last term. We are hopeful that the new Administration will see the common-sense arguments made by the Council and our colleagues and undo this illegal wage-setting policy promulgated by Washington bureaucrats.”
NCAE is the national trade association focusing on agricultural labor issues from the employer’s viewpoint.

-30-

 

Download Article

NCAE Advocates to Cut Red Tape Crippling America’s Agricultural Community

| Press Release, Uncategorized

May 23, 2025

For Immediate Release

Contact:       Michael Marsh, President and CEO

                        (202) 629-9320

NCAE Advocates to Cut Red Tape Crippling America’s Agricultural Community

(Arlington, VA) The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Antitrust Division’s Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force is seeking suggestions to unearth and unwind anticompetitive regulations. The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) answered that call, submitting comments on seven regulatory roadblocks which are impeding America’s farming and ranching communities’ ability to achieve and sustain the American dream.

“Over the past four years, America’s farm and ranch families have found themselves drowning in a turbulent regulatory sea,” wrote Michael Marsh, NCAE’s President and CEO. “Many of these were promulgated by federal regulators who were seduced by special interest groups which aim to weaken American families, businesses and the American economy.”

“As a result,” Marsh explained, “America’s family farms and ranches—the backbone of rural America—are vanishing at an increasing rate. Likewise, finding American-grown food on grocery store shelves is becoming increasingly difficult”

In the Task Force’s statement soliciting stakeholder comments, the Task Force explained that consistent with President Trump’s Executive Order 14192 and 14219 and longstanding Department practice, “the Antitrust Division will support federal agencies’ deregulatory initiatives by sharing its market expertise on regulations that pose the greatest barriers to economic growth.” The Task Force explains that the phenomenon known as “regulatory capture” occurs when agencies are “captured” by special interest groups and promulgate regulations that harm private enterprise, small business, and American entrepreneurship. The Task Force explained that “when regulations serve the few and impose undue burdens on small businesses, private enterprise, and entrepreneurs, they also harm competition and ultimately hurt American consumers, workers, and businesses.”

“Over the past four years,” noted Marsh, “the disdainful tenor used throughout the promulgation of many of these regulations make it clear that their promulgation is a direct result of the regulatory capture as described in the Task Force’s statement.”

In response to the solicitation for feedback, NCAE advocated for the DOJ Task Force to examine, investigate and advocate for rescission or withdrawal seven overburdensome, arbitrary, capricious and economically unsound regulations that target and harm America’s agricultural community. Those regulations include the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), the DOL Worker Protection Rule, the DOL H-2A Program Rule, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Asylum Fee Rule, the DHS Worker Protection Rule, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Walkaround Rule and the OSHA Heat Rule.

“Rather than resulting in any benefit to American farmers and ranchers, American workers, or American taxpayers, the point of the regulations seems merely to create more paperwork for employers to file and federal employees to push from desk to desk, while simultaneously increasing compliance costs, reducing efficiency, and crippling America’s competitiveness in the marketplace.

“For American agriculture to remain competitive at home and in foreign markets,” wrote NCAE, “this cannot continue.”

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

-30-

 

Download Article

NCAE Announces Agenda Additions for 61st Annual Meeting

| Press Release, Uncategorized

January 9, 2025

For Immediate Release

Contact:            Michael Marsh, President and CEO

                             (202) 629-9320

(Arlington, VA) The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) announced an addition to the agenda at the Council’s upcoming 61st Annual Meeting. The 61st Annual Meeting will take place February 11 – 13, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C. Registration is open to NCAE members and members of the larger agricultural community.

“We are excited to announce a special panel focused on the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR),” stated Michael Marsh, NCAE’s President and CEO, “which will include perspectives from growers, expert agricultural economists, and the legal community. Attendees will have an opportunity to unwind the problems with the AEWR and help shape what a better mechanism might look like that helps the Nation’s farm and ranch families succeed instead of shutter.”

Members of NCAE’s 61st Annual Meeting will also have the unique opportunity to interact directly with Members of Congress throughout the Annual Meeting. NCAE will host several Members as keynote speakers at the Annual Meeting. Additionally, on Day Two of the event, attendees will have the opportunity to march on Capitol Hill to advocate for much needed changes and improvements to agricultural labor and the H-2A program and for the needs of America’s farm and ranch families.

“With a new Administration and new Congress taking charge in 2025,” noted Marsh, “it is more important than ever before that America’s farmers and ranchers assemble and advocate for much-needed changes to strengthen America’s agricultural community on Capitol Hill.” NCAE will prepare attendees with talking points focused on changes needed by farm and ranch families prior to heading to Capitol Hill.

Other Annual Meeting highlights include an in-depth and interactive review of the National Ag Workers Survey, engaging “H-2A Day” speakers featuring representatives from the federal agencies involved in regulating the H-2A program, the announcement of winners of NCAE’s “Doing Good” and “Best Farmworker Housing” awards, the Council’s Annual Business Meeting and a networking wine reception featuring wonderful wines generously donated by NCAE member Mercer Ranches along with delicious hors d’oeuvres.

“Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event that reaches attendees nationwide,” said Marsh. Partners looking for a way to make their mark on the ag labor community are strongly encouraged to participate in NCAE’s exciting sponsorship and exhibitor program at the Annual Meeting.  Space for exhibitors is limited. Interested partners can indicate their interest in reserving a booth space on the Annual Meeting registration form online or by contacting NCAE.

Details about the Annual Meeting, the room block, sponsorship opportunities and the Annual Meeting Competitions can be found at https://www.ncaeonline.org/events/ncae-annual-meeting/.

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

-30-

Download Article

U.S. District Court Grants Injunction for NCAE Lawsuit to Protect Farm and Ranch Families from Unlawful and Unconstitutional Rule

| Press Release, Uncategorized

November 25, 2024

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Michael Marsh, President and CEO

                (202) 629-9320

(Arlington, VA) The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky has granted a partial injunction for a lawsuit filed by the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE), alongside several agricultural associations and individual farmers, to thwart the Department of Labor’s (Department) unlawful and unconstitutional Final Rule entitled, “Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States” (Rule).

“This Thanksgiving week, America’s farm and ranch families are grateful that the Court in Kentucky understood the damaging effects this Rule would have on their farms and ranches, as well as on those members of the public who like to eat,” stated Michael Marsh, NCAE President and CEO. “This Rule unequivocally and unlawfully violates the rights of America’s farmers and ranchers by stripping employers of the due process rights afforded to them by the Constitution. The Department’s promulgation and enforcement of the Rule thus far has only made it more difficult for America’s family farmers and ranchers to do what they do best—grow food and fiber to feed and clothe the world. We celebrate the Court’s acknowledgement that this cannot stand.”

In the opinion, Judge Reeves noted that the Department used a “blatant arrogation of authority” in their promulgation of the Rule. Enjoined provisions of this rule include:

  1. all collective-bargaining type rights including worker voice and empowerment provisions,
  2. mandatory piece-rate pay,
  3. seatbelt requirements,
  4. personal information requirements, and
  5. public access to employer property.

This injunction is the latest update on the nationwide status of the Rule. On August 29th, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia issued a preliminary injunction in the case of Kansas, et al. vs. U.S. Department of Labor which enjoined the Rule from taking effect in Georgia, Kansas, South Carolina, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, as well as for certain individuals and entities, leaving farmers and ranchers with operations in the two-thirds of states not covered by the injunction vulnerable to substantive provisions of the rule. This injunction extends relief to the plaintiffs of the case, including members of the plaintiff association, in all states except Alaska.   

“We are hopeful,” noted Marsh, “that the Department will take heed of this latest admonishment and send this Rule to the compost pile in which it belonged all along.  This rule should never have seen the light of day.”

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

-30-

Download Article

NCAE Releases Blockbuster Agenda for Ag Employer Labor Forum

| Press Release, Uncategorized

(Arlington, VA) The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) released a blockbuster agenda for the highly anticipated 11th Ag Employer Labor Forum taking place on December 4-6, 2024, at the beautiful M Resort just outside Las Vegas, Nevada. NCAE’s Labor Forum is the premier event for ag employers nationwide, where attendees convene to learn, develop, and advance a shared vision for a resilient and successful U.S. food system that will allow America’s farm and ranch families to do what they do best—grow food and fiber to feed and clothe America and the world.

“Attendees at this year’s Labor Forum will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts   and help shape the future of ag labor in the United States,” explained Michael Marsh, NCAE’s President and CEO. “Our stimulating and provocative speakers will discuss timely topics for employers and those involved in ag labor.”

This year’s Forum features a compelling range of topics on cutting-edge ag labor issues that focus on the future of ag labor. Tech-savvy topics include the use robotics in farming settings as well as the challenges and opportunities that artificial intelligence (AI) present for the agricultural industry. Attendees will peer into the crystal ball alongside ag economists to learn their forecast for the future of farming. Top industry experts will likewise provide their predictions for farmers facing a new Congress and Presidential Administration.

Also featured this year are concurrent sessions highlighting hot legal topics impacting ag employers, tips to navigate the administration’s activist regulatory landmines, key compliance considerations for Farm Labor Contractors, how to responsibly and ethically recruit high quality employees in a cost-effective manner, and much more.

Attendees of 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).

“With all the ongoing activity in the agricultural labor space,” noted Marsh, “this year’s Forum is a must-attend event.”

Sponsorship Opportunities:

In addition to registration, NCAE is excited to offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities for organizations looking to support agricultural employers, gain exposure in the agricultural labor space, and connect with the hundreds of in-person employers, agents, attorneys and others at who will attend this year’s Forum.

“We are thrilled by our sponsors’ excitement about this year’s Forum,” noted Marsh. “Last year, NCAE received record interest in our trade show, resulting in a completely sold-out exhibition space. This year, we have expanded the trade show to accommodate new organizations looking to support ag employers. Only a handful of booths remain available for interested parties. Do not delay if you wish to be a part of this incredible event which reaches hundreds of attendees and organizational decision-makers.”

Interested parties are encouraged to contact Susan Lester, NCAE Manager of Association Services, for sponsorship details.

Room Block:

NCAE’s discounted room block at the M Resort will close on November 18, 2024, or once the room block is full. To secure your spot at the Forum and take advantage of discounted room rates at the M Resort, visit NCAE’s Labor Forum registration page today.

About NCAE:

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

-30-

Download Article