Tag: regulation

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.

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NCAE Releases Blockbuster Agenda for 2025 Forum

| Press Release, Uncategorized

 

NCAE Releases Blockbuster Agenda for 2025 Forum

(Arlington, VA) The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) released a blockbuster agenda for the highly anticipated Ag Employer Labor Forum taking place this December 3-5, 2025. This year’s Forum will be held at the magnificent and newly expanded M Resort just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada.

NCAE’s Labor Forum is the premier event for ag employers nationwide, where farmers, ranchers, ag labor leaders and others in the agricultural community 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 have an incredible opportunity to learn from key agricultural leaders, engage with economic experts, and to work together alongside some of the best legal and legislative minds to help shape the future of ag labor in the United States,” stated NCAE President and CEO, Michael Marsh. “We are proud to present a spectacular selection of stimulating and provocative speakers who will discuss timely topics for employers and those involved in ag labor.”

“NCAE is proud to reveal our agenda for the 2025 Forum,” continued Marsh. “This agenda reflects the Council’s commitment to providing our 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. It has never been more important for farmers and ranchers to engage in these important topics so that they can protect themselves, their farms, and their critical farmworkers.”

This year’s Forum features a compelling range of topics that takes the pivotal moment facing American agriculture on by the proverbial horns. Attendees will enjoy engaging sessions hosted by expert economists who will examine the outlook for Farm Labor in 2026 and the impacts of farmworker overtime.

Likewise, attendees will have opportunities to engage with legislative leaders and ag labor icons who will delve deeply into the topics that farmers and ranchers need to know for upcoming seasons. Among many, many other sessions, attendees will enjoy engaging sessions featuring Business Succession Strategies, Strategic Litigation Strategies for American agriculture, and NCAE’s special “Eye of the Storm” session during which economists, thought leaders and legal experts will unpack what the Department of Labor’s recently announced Interim Final Rule (IFR) has in store for the agricultural community.

Similarly, NCAE’s hit concurrent breakout sessions are back again this year with a captivating list of topics. Attendees have the opportunity choose from a diverse range of activities and sessions such as 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).

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

The full agenda and registration details are available at:  https://www.ncaeonline.org/events/ag-employer-labor-forum/

Sponsorship Opportunities:

NCAE is excited to offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities for organizations looking to showcase their fervent support of America’s agricultural community, gain exposure among leaders of the  agricultural industry, and connect with the hundreds of in-person ag employers, agents, attorneys and others at who will attend this year’s Forum.

“Last year,” noted Marsh, “NCAE was thrilled to receive record interest in our trade show, resulting in a completely sold-out exhibition space and an extended trade show floor. We are on trend to do so again for 2025. NCAE’s Labor Forum trade show is an incredible opportunity for those interested in connecting and networking with hundreds of attendees and critical organizational decisionmakers.”

While space is increasingly limited, sponsorships remain available for all who wish to engage in this important event at every level. Space in the main trade show area is expected to sell out. Sponsors who are interested in increasing their level to secure an earlier chance at choosing their booth are encouraged to contact NCAE immediately.

Interested parties are encouraged to contact Susan Lester, [email protected], for sponsorship details.

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 exclusive 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:

NCAE’s 2025 Labor Forum will be hosted at the magnificent and newly expanded M Resort located just outside of Las Vegas, NV. NCAE members and attendees of the Forum are invited to join NCAE’s discounted room block at the M Resort which will close on November 17, 2025, or once the room block is full. We expect the room block to sell out well in advance. 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.

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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.

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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.

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