In today's complex agricultural landscape, having the right allies can make all the difference. Below are the key organizations that can help you streamline your labor management, ensure compliance, and boost your farm's productivity. We work with some of these organizations on a daily basis so we can incorporate their best practices into our software.
1. WAFLA: Your Hands-On H2A Provider and Specialist
The Worker and Farmer Labor Association (WAFLA) is a titan for farms with H-2A employees. Here's how they can help you:
- Streamline H-2A and H-2B visa processes: WAFLA offers an all-inclusive plan that handles everything from visa applications to worker transportation, ensuring you have a reliable seasonal workforce.
- Solve housing challenges: They own and lease multiple housing options in Washington and Oregon, and can consult on developing your housing to meet H-2A requirements.
- Boost your HR capabilities: Access their bilingual field staff for worker orientation and ongoing support throughout the season.
- Stay compliant: Benefit from WAFLA's established relationships with government agencies and their commitment to the highest worker safety standards and regulatory compliance.
Pro Tip: Leverage WAFLA's online Visa Trace dashboard and HR onboarding tools to save time and reduce paperwork. Contact them at www.wafla.org to discuss your specific needs.
2. FELS: Your California Labor Law Lifeline
The Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS) is an indispensable resource for California farmers. They offer:
- Up-to-the-minute compliance training: Access their monthly newsletter that covers crucial labor topics and provides sample employment policies and forms.
- Instant expert advice: Call their employer hotline for immediate assistance with general labor law questions.
- Legal protection: Join their group legal services plan for top-tier agricultural labor law support, including one free hour of legal consultation annually and discounted rates for additional services.
Pro Tip: Subscribe to FELS' newsletter by visiting their website at fels.net and signing up for their subscription services to stay informed about critical changes in agricultural labor regulations.
3. Western Growers: Your Comprehensive Agricultural Ally
Western Growers goes beyond labor management, offering a comprehensive suite of services:
- Powerful advocacy: They engage directly with federal, state, and local policymakers on issues ranging from immigration reform to state laws.
- Tailored insurance solutions: Access various insurance products specifically designed for the agricultural industry through Western Growers Insurance Services (WGIS).
- Health benefits administration: Offer comprehensive, ACA-compliant health benefit plans customized for owners, managers, field workers, and seasonal employees.
- Tech-driven efficiency: Explore their innovative solutions like contaminated product recall insurance and specialized workers' comp programs.
Pro Tip: Check out the news section of their website for up-to-date insights on changing laws and notable events.
4. NCAE: Your Voice in Agricultural Labor Policy
The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) focuses exclusively on labor issues from your perspective:
- H-2A program expertise: Access their resources on federal policies and regulations affecting the H-2A temporary agricultural worker visa program.
- Policy influence: Participate in their efforts to prevent harmful regulatory proposals and ensure access to foreign worker visa programs.
- Educational resources: Download presentations and how-to guides from their website to lessen the burden on employers.
Pro Tip: Attend NCAE's annual Ag Employer Labor Forum in Las Vegas, NV to rub elbows with the who's who of H-2A.
5. AFBF: Your Advocate for Agricultural Policy
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) champions policies that support your farm's workforce needs:
- Labor reform advocacy: Stay informed about their efforts to improve the H-2A visa program and support legal status for experienced agricultural workers.
- Workforce stability: Engage with their initiatives to ensure a stable and legal agricultural workforce.
Pro Tip: Join your state Farm Bureau to become an AFBF member automatically. Visit fb.org to find your state's Farm Bureau and amplify your voice in policy discussions.
6. APMA: Time To Level Up Your Agricultural HR Education
The Agricultural Personnel Management Association (APMA) is your go-to for human resources education:
- HRPA Certificate Program: Enroll in their Human Resource Professional in Agriculture (HRPA) Certificate Program, designed for maximum flexibility to fit your schedule.
- Targeted workshops: Attend their informative workshops focusing on current topics in the agricultural business world.
- H-2A insights: Participate in their Stakeholder Roundtables for the latest program developments and networking opportunities.
Pro Tip: They publish all of the presentations from the previous year's labor conference so you can catch up on just what interests you.
7. AgSafe: Your Partner in Farm Safety and Health
AgSafe specializes in practical health and safety education for the agricultural sector:
- Comprehensive training: Register for courses on safety, health, HR, and food safety. Many courses are available in both English and Spanish.
- Bilingual resources: Become a member for $275 annually, and get access to their Members Only Resource Center for forms and templates in English and Spanish.
- Expert guidance: Get direct support from AgSafe staff on occupational safety and HR issues.
Pro Tip: They hold a lot of in-person classes, you can see their full list here.
8. California Farm Labor Contractor Association (CFLCA): Your California FLC Expert
The California Farm Labor Contractor Association (CFLCA) is a vital resource for farm employers in California, offering specialized services to support the agricultural labor contracting industry:
- Licensing education: Access mandated licensing education and training programs for farm labor contractors, ensuring you meet all state requirements.
- Advocacy services: Benefit from their efforts to represent the interests of farm labor contractors and growers at state and federal levels.
- Best practices promotion: Stay up-to-date with the latest labor management best practices to ensure state and federal regulatory compliance.
- Industry representation: Join an organization that collectively represents members employing over 250,000 California farm workers.
Pro Tip: They are best known for their 9 Hour FLC seminars that will get you the required training so you can receive your FLC license from the state of California.
9. Washington Growers League (WGL): Your Washington State Agriculture Ally
For farm employers in Washington State, the WGL offers tailored support:
- HR compliance assistance: Access their professional staff with expertise in legal, housing, and safety requirements unique to the agricultural industry.
- Targeted training: Attend their events on agricultural employment issues and compliance standards.
- Strong advocacy: Benefit from their representation on critical agricultural labor and employment issues at state and federal levels.
Pro Tip: Their Newsline newsletter is popular in WA state, almost all of our customers subscribed to it, but it is members only.
