California Ag Network

Tag: agricultural labor

  • Legislation Heads to Governor’s Desk

    State legislators closed out the legislative session and adjourned on September 1, 2026. The end-of-session actions brought new gut and amend bills to the foreground relating to warehouses and non-residential properties that could affect agriculture. Legislators also passed bills regarding wages, water and ultraprocessed food, among others.

    On a positive note, modest funding was included in the budget for a few Ag Council priorities and those are detailed below.   

    Governor Newsom has until September 30, 2026, to decide whether he will sign or veto the bills.

    Bills include: AB 2646, which would raise hourly wages to $19.75 for H2-A workers and corresponding employees; AB 1881, requiring tribal “informed consent” for certain projects that result in a physical change to state land and waterways, while also creating a private right of action that could be used by tribes to challenge state agency decisions relating to land and water; and AB 817, which requires cold storage warehouse owners or operators to establish a contingency fund for emergencies if the facility is 20,000 square feet or greater. — Story contributed by the Ag Council of California 

  • Dairy Orgs Praise H-2A Reform Bill

    The Internationalist Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) both voiced support for the Securing Agriculture Workforce Act, aimed modernizing the H-2A temporary ag workers program.

    “The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act represents the most significant reform to the ag workforce we’ve seen in decades,” said NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud. “It is particularly critical for dairy farmers, who have been effectively shut out of the nation’s primary legal agricultural guest worker program.”

    The bill was introduced by Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Penn.),  who chairs the House Ag Committee. Both organizations praised his leadership with the bill.

    “Dairy farms and processors alike operate year-round and need access to a reliable workforce. Modernizing the H-2A program to meet the workforce needs of year-round dairy farm operations moves the needle in the right direction by strengthening the dairy supply chain,” said IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes. ” Although dairy processors also need reforms that offer workforce support, the Securing Agriculture Workforce Act better positions all of U.S. dairy to ensure families continue to have access to nutritious dairy products. IDFA thanks Chairman Thompson for his leadership in introducing this important legislation.”

    “I applaud Chairman Thompson and the other original co-sponsors for introducing this bill. Chairman Thompson, thank you for leading the way, as you so often have to the most important issues facing agriculture. NMPF will rally its advocates across dairy and all of agriculture to support this bill, and it stands ready to help build momentum in the House, secure a Senate companion bill, and ultimately get this legislation to the president’s desk.”