Search: WSTFA
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Talk to Legislators
Fruit Grower Report
With all of the challenges facing the agricultural industry, it’s never been more important that our legislators understand what is actually happening out there.
Ag Priorities in Olympia
Fruit Grower Report
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association came into this year’s legislative session with a list of priorities and will leave with plenty of following up to do.
Ag Union Problems
Fruit Grower Report
When Senate Bill 6045 failed to get a deadline vote last week, many were relieved that giving collective bargaining rights to Washington farm workers was shelved for now.
Ag Labor and Immigration
Fruit Grower Report
The debate over immigration reform and ag labor has some big holes on both sides of the argument.
AEWR and More
Fruit Grower Report
As you probably know, there have been changes to how the Adverse Effect Wage Rate is calculated and many in the ag workforce say that’s a good thing. But is there more?
Agriculture Crisis
Fruit Grower Report
David DuCharme, lobbyist for the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, says the situation agriculture finds itself in today is undeniable.
AEWR's New Benefits
Fruit Grower Report
Updating the methodology for calculating wages for foreign guest-workers should be a significant improvement for both farm employers and employees.
WSTFA Lobbying Efforts
Fruit Grower Report
Washington State Tree Fruit Association members and staff gathered in Olympia recently to try and help close the ag knowledge gap between lawmakers and growers. WSTFA lobbyist, David Ducharme ...
Mini WARN Act Fix
Fruit Grower Report
Many would argue that Washington’s agricultural industry is overwhelmed with regulations at an extreme cost. But WSTFA president Jon DeVaney says it’s not just the financial cost of these regulations but the complexity costs.
Politics and Agriculture
Fruit Grower Report
Washington Post Columnist, Megan McCardle wonders what ever happened to trying to understand what the problems are and coming up with a compromise.
Immigration and Ag Labor
Fruit Grower Report
Washington Post columnist, Megan McCardle was the keynote speaker at last month’s Washington State Tree Fruit Association Annual Meeting and immigration was a key talking point.
Tree Fruit Day in Olympia
Fruit Grower Report
Tree Fruit Day in Olympia on Wednesday, January 28th is fast approaching and if you haven’t signed up yet, now is the time.
Washington Apple Logo Benefits
Fruit Grower Report
Washington apples are the state’s most well-known crop, but that doesn’t give them immunity from today’s challenges in agriculture.
Suicide in Agriculture
Fruit Grower Report
Recognized as the Washington State Tree Fruit Association's 2025 Legislator o the Year, 13th District Representative, Tom Dent tries to bring awareness about the mental health challenges and suicides that plague the agricultural industry.
State Farm Bill Possible
Fruit Grower Report
Pushing for policies that recognize the unique challenges of farming in Washington state is nothing new, but there have recently been talks about the possibility of a State Farm Bill to help address the unique challenges farmers in our state face.
Educating Olympia on Ag
Fruit Grower Report
Jon DeVaney, President of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, says we may have made some headway with conversations in Olympia helping lawmakers understand the current challenges farmers are facing.
WSTFA Annual Meeting
Fruit Grower Report
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association recently held their annual meeting with growers, packers, shippers and others from the industry gathering in Wenatchee.
WSTFA Hort Show Reminder
Fruit Grower Report
If you have yet to make your plans to attend the Washington State Tree Fruit Association Annual Meeting and Hort Show in Wenatchee, December 8-9-10 … wait no longer.
Mini Warn Act for Agriculture
Fruit Grower Report
A new law requires employers to give 60-day notice when laying off workers to help with their transition, but is it intended for seasonal farm workers?
Harvest Wrap Apples
Fruit Grower Report
Harvest season is wrapping up, or will be soon, for northwest pear and apple growers, and Jon DeVaney, President of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, says both crops are looking pretty good this year despite challenges.