FELS Newsletter: April 2026

FELS Newsletter, April 2026

As of March 16, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement significantly tightened Form I-9 enforcement, reclassifying many previously “technical” errors as “substantive” violations, removing the 10-day cure period for corrections. These changes immediately increased liability, with fines ranging from $288 to more than $2,800 per form. This means that what ICE formerly regarded as minor, correctable errors may […]

Researchers at California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo released in March a new study on agriculture regulations for wine grape production. The research is similar in scope to other studies the researchers conducted in California that show regulatory costs increased more than 1,300% on some agricultural operations over the last 20 years. The […]

Recent outbreaks of measles in the western U.S. has prompted the University of California, Berkeley Department of Agricultural and Natural Resources to reach out to various California ag-facing organizations to share resources intended to prevent further outbreaks. UC ANR has been asked by Extension Foundation and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to engage […]

Many employees see a “write-up” as nothing more than an exercise of a supervisor’s power over the employee – or as a prelude to, or a pretext for, a summary discharge. They have no power and no voice in this dynamic. Reminding an employee that you are the boss—and that you can discipline or discharge […]

With the advent of springtime, California ag employers are heavily engaged in hiring for upcoming seasonal work. FELS members can access at FELS’ website valuable online hiring resources including links to forms and checklists that can help make sure you don’t forget something when you’re hiring. FELS can also help with a Standard Form Employee Handbook, […]

Don’t Forget About Protecting Your Feet!