H-2A is not for everyone
One of the biggest of the many problems with the H-2A foreign guest-worker program, from the grower’s point of view,
H-2A program requirements
The federal H-2A foreign guest-worker program allows employers who are short of workers to bring people into the United States
Last Bite — A cherry with royal titles
The Napoleon cherry, a light, yellow-skinned variety, has been called different names through the centuries, several of them relating to
Grape calculators revised
The online Northwest Grape Cost of Production Calculators, developed for wineries and vineyards, were recently updated to reflect today’s values.
Washington’s grape crop down in 2011
Concord yields varied widely last year, ranging from no crop to 20 tons per acre. Suphasuk Pradubsuk Washington State’s juice
Good Point — Labor outlook is poor
Frank Gasperini Who would guess that, with unemployment at or just below double digits for three years, basic industries such
Concerned about labor
Mark Rice, like almost every other commercial fruit grower, is concerned about his future labor supply. Rice needs about 100
Challenges lead to changes
David Rice is president of Rice Fruit Company and manager of packing and storage operations. Richard Lehnert In recent years,
Quality fruit is Rice heritage
Mark Rice chose to go with Kiku, a high quality Fuji fruit strain that is easier to grow than Honeycrisp
The time is right
Lunch is often a Rice family affair, as several members work in the office or packing plant. From left are