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Washington dings more than 20 farms for COVID-19 violations
Coronavirus-related violations account for about 15 percent of Washington’s farms dinged by health and safety
WA Supreme Court rules ag overtime exemption unconstitutional
In a 5–4 vote, the state Supreme Court of Washington has ruled that agricultural workers,
H-2A wages to be frozen, then tied to labor cost index
The federal government has announced plans to freeze most Adverse Effect Wage Rates at 2020
Autonomous approach coming for tree fruit — Video
A self-driving sprayer may be coming to the tree fruit industry.
Snyder: Agriculture is essential for a fruitful future
This year’s WSTFA Annual Meeting and NW Hort Expo is going to a virtual platform.
Oregon extends farm housing rules through winter
The state of Oregon has extended through the winter its temporary farm labor housing restrictions
Oregon COVID-19 reimbursement deadlines near
Oregon growers have until Oct. 25 to apply for reimbursement for any extra costs they
The pandemic press on apple marketing
Marketers, retailers respond to a year of chaos for consumers.
US government forgoes ag wage survey
This year, the federal government will not conduct the annual Agricultural Labor Survey used to
An unprecedented year
USApple focuses on positive during virtual conference.
Juan Ojeda, a young grower from Royal City, Washington
Juan is a second-generation tree fruit farmer who recently joined Simplot Growers. He’s the son of Celina and Juan Ojeda.
Fryhover: Allow apple competition
With exports falling, the Washington Apple Commission looks to focus on home court strength.
Trade authorities agree to investigate blueberry imports
Blueberry associations throughout the nation have convinced U.S. trade authorities to investigate whether imports are
Organic production suffers with the silent treatment
Grower comments help protect access to needed materials.
Proposed amendment targets fraud in organic industry
Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule would clarify USDA organic regulations.
Cherries get a lift — Video
Rural Washington state airport sees boost in cherry exports during otherwise down year.
A year of wings and prayers
Cherry harvest shapes up as a season of nuance, contrasts.
Transcontinental transfer keeps harvest on track
Peach orchards in Colorado and South Carolina shuttle H-2A workers to avoid job losses.
USDA announces $14 billion in coronavirus relief funds with expanded eligibility
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a second round of assistance for producers impacted by
A deal for canned pears
Under new law, processors and growers reach price agreement.
Courts uphold Michigan farmworker testing order
On Sept. 9, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan approved dismissal
Gebbers Farms testing shows low COVID-19 infection rate
State-mandated coronavirus testing at Gebbers Farms has so far showed a relatively low infection rate
So much uncertainty for wine industry
Grape growers expect less demand, lower prices at harvest and hope Congress will make wine grapes eligible for future pandemic relief programs.
Appeals judge upholds WSU Cosmic Crisp victory over Phytelligence
A federal appeals judge has ruled in favor of Washington State University in its lawsuit
Moffitt: Promotional reaction
Pear Bureau adapts quickly to retail changes.
California farmworkers receive donation of N-95 masks
The California Fresh Fruit Association and California Farmworker Foundation announced in a news release they
Virtual happy hour
When coronavirus closed tasting room doors, winemakers turned to online events.
Auction of Washington Wines raises over $1.74 million
In its first-ever virtual event series, the Auction of Washington Wines raised more than $1.74
Washington state mandates farmworker testing for coronavirus
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has mandated that all agricultural employers “broadly” test their workers in
Sanitation rules with coronavirus
Regulators enforcing measures to prevent spread.
Turning up the heat raises risks for ag workers
Strategies are available to help workers beat the heat, including face masks for summer wear.
Asking about masking
Volunteers provide face masks for essential workers through Cornell Farmworker Program.
WSTFA Annual Meeting and NW Hort Expo going online
Citing concerns about coronavirus restrictions, the Washington State Tree Fruit Association announced in a news
Latest pesticide residue report now available
Good Fruit Grower received the following announcement from the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission: Since
A long and fruitful fruition for Apple Vacuum System
After years of collaboration, testing and improvements, vacuum harvest system nearly ready for mass production.
U-pick in a pandemic
Farms test new safety measures before busy season begins in fall.
Industry eyeing apples aplenty
Trade wars, pandemic are responsible for too much fruit in storage.
Interpoma announces online events
Interpoma, the international fair dedicated to the world of apples, will be presented in a
Auction of Washington Wines event goes online Aug. 11–15
For the first time in its 33-year history, the Auction of Washington Wines’ annual August
Great Lakes EXPO moves to virtual format for 2020
The Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO announced in a news release on
Free tickets now available for Fruit Focus LIVE
Here’s an opportunity to attend an industry event in Europe this year, at least virtually.
Foundation donates to West Coast undocumented farmworkers
Drawing from private donations, a foundation connected to the United Farm Workers Union is distributing
Christopher Gerlach to join USApple as director of industry analytics
Christopher Gerlach The U.S. Apple Association announced Christopher Gerlach will join the organization as director
Blueberries eligible for coronavirus relief payments
Just as for apples, the federal government has changed its mind and made blueberries eligible
IFTA cancels Italy tour
The International Fruit Tree Association has canceled its study tour that was scheduled through the
Prevailing frustrations over wage surveys
Washington blueberry wage ruling puts a spotlight on the prevailing wage surveys.
Masks vs. no masks: Photos could help with employee training
“A picture is worth a thousand words.” It’s a cliché for a reason. A Washington
USDA agrees apple growers qualify for CFAP funds
The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a correction to its Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP)
Pandemic packing pivot
Fruit warehouses across the U.S. adjust practices to continue shipping amid the coronavirus.
Worker worries prompted walkouts
Additional safeguards and hazard pay were among the demands of workers that went on strike at seven Yakima-area packers in May. All walkouts were resolved by early June.