Initial 2015 State Water Allocation Announced at 10%

Initial 2015 State Water Allocation Announced at 10%

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced yesterday an initial allocation of 10% for state water project customers in 2015.  The initial allocation amount is slightly larger than last year’s final allocation of 5%, and according to the Department’s press release, may be adjusted up or down depending on the volume of rain and snowfall that reaches California this winter.  

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Dave Puglia

More Questions than Answers for Ag Employers Following Executive Action

President Obama Announces Executive Action on Immigration Reform

Now that President Obama has laid out his plan to use executive actions to alter the way current immigration laws are enforced, Ag employers are considering the impacts on their workforce.  Most details are not yet available, but it appears that many of the changes that could impact the industry may take months.  One thing is certain: the president is not enacting any special policies or regulations to help agriculture as he is doing for businesses that hire high-skilled workers.

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Jason Resnick

Projected H-2A Wage Rates for 2015

Projected H-2A Wage Rates for 2015

The AG Coalition for Immigration Reform (ACIR), of which WG is a member, has retained economist Dr. Steve Bronars to review USDA farm wage data to predict next year’s H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR). According to Dr. Bonars, the Arizona AEWR is expected to increase from $9.97 to $10.54 per hour. In relative terms, this 5.72% increase would tie New Mexico for the largest percentage increase. California’s AEWR is expected to increase 2.91%, from $11.01 to $11.33 per hour.

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Jason Resnick

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