2020 Virtual Ag Labor Forum Session Recordings

Keynote Address

The Intersection of Politics and Agriculture

Dave Puglia- CEO & President of Western Growers

Keynote Address

Border Policy: Impacts on Agricultural Labor

Ambassador Carlos González Gutiérrez- Consul General of Mexico in San Diego

Coffee with a Cal/OSHA Defense Attorney

Lost in a bewildering maze of federal, state, county, and local directives regarding COVID-19, wildfire smoke, heat illness prevention, and other regulations? Participate in this interactive discussion with an attorney focusing on Cal/OSHA inspections and citations. Bring your questions and learn how to navigate challenges posed by the increasingly aggressive Cal/OSHA enforcement and avoid potentially severe consequences.

Presenter:  Lisa Prince- Principal, The Prince Firm

COVID-19 Preparedness & Management

Overwhelmed by the shifting COVID-19 guidance coming from all directions at federal, state, and local levels? Get a straightforward explanation of ag employers’ core rights and responsibilities in managing COVID-19 and impacts the pandemic has had in the workplace. The session will highlight areas that pose high risk for liability and/or exposure, the benefits of training/management, and best practices to stay current and compliant.

Preparing for 2021: New Laws & Regulations

Each year new laws are implemented along with new interpretations of past regulations, from the governor, legislature, regulators, and judiciary system. After all the challenges this year, prepare for 2021 by understanding the new rules and how they apply to you; from overtime and minimum wage to how COVID-19 rules may continue into the new year, and more.

Cal/OSHA Updates: COVID-19 and Other Challenges

This year presented many safety compliance challenges and new regulations. From COVID-19 to wildfire smoke, night work requirements to injury reporting changes; understanding guidelines can help keep workers safe and productive, prevent adverse action by Cal/OSHA, and reduce employer liabilities. Start 2021 with this expert analysis of industry best practices and regulations to keep essential businesses running safely, effectively, and in compliance.

Managing Complex Leaves of Absence Requirements

Paid Family Leave, sick leave, pregnancy leave, and now expanded federal sick leave for COVID-19; the regulations under a variety of state and federal laws are complex and changing. Understand the latest on what is available, required, and recommended to be prepared when employee indicates they need time off.

Sponsored by Ag Health Benefits Alliance

Presenter: Adrian Hoppes- Senior Associate, McKague Rosasco LLP

Adjusting to Changing Farm Worker Overtime Rules

As farm worker regular pay quickly moves from ten to eight hours per day, employers struggle to remain within budget, meet production, and satisfy the needs of workers. With a range of possible strategies, what may seem like a good option can lead to legal trouble. This interactive session will explore solutions to get the job done.

Presenters

Erica Rosasco- Partner, McKague Rosasco LLP

Chuck Herrin- Owner, Sunrise Farm Labor INC

Managing Field Access & Regulatory Agency Inspections

ICE, DOL, Labor Commissioner, OSHA, EDD, law enforcement, unions, or even the CRLA can visit at any time and how you respond can drastically change your potential liability.  Employers have suffered costly citations due to lack of preparation- most could be avoided with proper field access training. Know your rights and obligations, employee rights, and how to respond to each of these unique scenarios.

Presenter: Erica Rosasco- Partner, McKague Rosasco LLP

Effective Internal Investigations: Harassment & Other Incidents

Whether it's a claim of harassment, bullying, discrimination, work injury, or other complaint from employees, it's critical for employers to manage an equitable resolution before problems escalate. This session will share best practices in conducting thorough investigations, thoughtful management, and effective internal communication techniques to help prevent costly and time consuming claims against you and your company.

Motivating and Improving Team Performance

Supervisors and company leaders play essential roles in fostering employee engagement and performance- or a lack thereof. Providing environments that encourage trust and support, cultures that stir company pride, and companies that respect shared values are all critical to an environment of excellence. This session will look into what drives performance along with key company-wide and individual management strategies to support performance even during difficult times.

Presenter: Tina Huff- Chief People Officer, Duncan Family Farms

Building Your Workforce: Recruitment & Retention

How do companies find and keep good employees? In a tight labor market attracting, properly selecting, and retaining talent is more critical than ever. Learn the best practices to leverage strong recruiting and retention strategies to help you be the employer of choice in today’s changing workforce environment.

Presenter: Lourdes Gonzalez- Director of Human Resources, Gowan Group

Managing Workers' Comp Through COVID-19 and Beyond

The pandemic has further complicated the world of workers’ compensation with a new state law, executive order, and increased claims with rates expected to increase. Know what to expect in the coming year; understand your rights and responsibilities; and learn strategies to help control costs and reduce fraud or litigation.

Payroll Protection Program (PPP) & Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) Update

Federal programs offer relief from the financial impacts of COVID-19 but the funds must be used appropriately and expenditures documented. This session will address how to maximize Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness, the forgiveness application process, acceptable uses for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) proceeds, and your questions.

Finance Fundamentals & Strategies for FLCS

Take advantage of this expert perspective with strategies and best practices for small or new businesses. From payroll and bookkeeping checks and balances to financial statements when considering a loan, know how to build a strong foundation and plan for future growth.

Business Planning & Development for FLCs

FLCs must continually evolve business planning and strategies to be able to grow and remain successful in this ever-changing industry. Don’t rely on plain luck to help get you through; learn from tenured ag professionals about the most important considerations and steps needed to plan a sustainable future.

Presenters

Blanca Wright- CFO, Renteria Vineyard Management

Joint Employment Liabilities & Best Practices

The Grower-FLC relationship goes beyond a traditional business affiliation and presents opportunities as well as potential liabilities for both parties. Under California law Growers and FLCs have been jointly cited by regulatory agencies and jointly sued. Learn how to reduce shared risks and maximize mutual benefit by recognizing potential liabilities in joint employment relationships.

Presenters

Bryan Little- Chief Operating Officer, Farm Employers Labor Service

Jeff Wenger- Hancock Farmland Services

Reducing Your Exposure to PAGA and Class Action Claims

This session will explain the nuts and bolts of the CA Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) and the overlap with wage and hour class action claims. Understanding the interplay of these types of claims, common violations, and the remedies available is critical to protect your business from costly legal claims.

Presenter: Jim Gumberg- Partner, Patane Gumberg Avila LLP

Tech Solutions: Payroll & Recordkeeping

Decrease stress and simplify payroll while saving time by taking advantage of new technologies. Learn about modern solutions to stay in compliance and avoid the pitfalls of costly wage and hour claims. Explore this brave new world of evolving technology and how it can help your bottom line.

Presenters

Rhonda May- President/CEO, Reliable Business Technology, INC.

Mike Dodson- CEO, Pago

Harassment Prevention Training Requirements for FLCs and Growers

Recent laws have significantly changed sexual harassment, retaliation, and LGBTQ training requirements. This session will clarify the implications for FLCs and Growers on requirements for supervisors, non-supervisors, penalties for non-compliance, best practices for reporting/record keeping, and how proper training and management can help protect workers and the company.

Pesticide Safety for Farm Workers

Pesticides are great tools but can create a range of problems for employers and their workforce when regulations are not followed. This session will review critical safety issues, licensing and registration, fieldworker training, emergency medical care, and common violations. Know your responsibilities, the role of County Agricultural Commissioner, and how to maintain compliance.

Presenters

Jose Chang- Monterey County Assistant Agricultural Commissioner

Alex Cadenas- Outreach & Education Specialist, California Department of Pesticide Regulation

Perspectives on Cannabis as a Business Opportunity

The legal cannabis industry continues to grow- what was once black market is now a legitimate industry with many players, large and small, and a slew of special regulations. Learn from those in the business about the opportunities, and liabilities, involved in legal cannabis operations.

Sponsored by Preferred Employers Insurance & DLL Insurance

Presenters

Dana Eagle- Administrative Licensing Manager, CA Dept. of Food & Agriculture CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing

Kisha Hammond- TGC Enterprises