US Labor Department to Host Agricultural Industry Seminar

Seminar to cover federal laws and regulations for employers, workers, and other stakeholders

Mar. 19, 2026 at 8:43pm

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The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division will hold a hybrid in-person and virtual agricultural seminar on March 24 to provide guidance on federal laws governing agricultural industry employment. The seminar will include discussions on topics such as the H-2A temporary agricultural program, Fair Labor Standards Act, and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act.

Why it matters

The agricultural industry faces complex federal regulations around wages, housing, transportation, and other worker protections. This seminar aims to educate employers, workers, and other stakeholders on their rights and responsibilities under these laws to ensure compliance and protect vulnerable agricultural workers.

The details

The seminar will be hosted by the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division and will feature participation from other federal agencies including the Office of Foreign Labor Certification, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. Key topics will include requirements for wages, housing, transportation, field sanitation, farm labor contractor certification, and the H-2A petition process.

  • The seminar is scheduled for March 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT.
  • Registration for the seminar is required.

The players

U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division

The federal agency responsible for enforcing laws related to wages, hours worked, and other worker protections, including in the agricultural industry.

Office of Foreign Labor Certification

A division of the U.S. Department of Labor that oversees the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety and health standards, including in the agricultural industry.

Immigrant and Employee Rights Section of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division

The federal agency responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws that protect immigrant and migrant workers.

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The takeaway

This seminar represents an important effort by the federal government to educate agricultural industry stakeholders on their rights and responsibilities under complex labor laws. By promoting compliance, the seminar aims to protect vulnerable agricultural workers and ensure a fair and equitable industry.