FELS Helps California Farmers Navigate Complex Labor Compliance

California agriculture faces a constantly changing labor and compliance landscape, and for farmers, keeping up with the rules can be nearly as challenging as producing the crop. On the latest AgNet News Hour, host Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” talks with Anna Genasci, the new General Manager of Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS), about the resources available to California farmers, ranchers, dairymen and agricultural employers.

Genasci recently joined FELS after spending about seven years with Stanislaus County Farm Bureau. FELS, which was established by the California Farm Bureau in 1970, is designed to help agricultural employers navigate compliance requirements involving labor, safety, human resources and other regulations. Genasci now leads a team that provides resources and on-farm assistance to agricultural employers throughout California.

One of the most important tools available to FELS members is its hotline. Genasci says employers can call with questions and receive real-time assistance, including help with wage-and-hour issues that become especially important during harvest. Recent questions have involved overtime, piece-rate pay, split shifts and different wage orders depending on the type of agricultural work being performed.

Heat-illness prevention is another major focus. Genasci explains that Cal/OSHA compliance remains a significant concern and that violations can become costly when multiple deficiencies are identified during an inspection. FELS helps employers understand requirements involving shade, water, training and other workplace protections.

The organization also provides updated compliance posters in English and Spanish, on-farm training and access to agricultural labor-law attorneys. Its Labor Management Consultants are bilingual, understand production agriculture and can conduct training directly in the field. Genasci says these consultants can also serve as a bridge between employers and employees, creating opportunities for workers to raise safety concerns and ask questions.

The conversation also tackles one of California agriculture’s most challenging issues: labor and immigration. Genasci explains that FELS has resources to help employers understand their rights and responsibilities when immigration enforcement occurs at an agricultural operation. She also discusses workforce development and the need to prepare agricultural employees for emerging opportunities involving drones, automation and other technologies.

Importantly, Genasci says FELS works with operations of all sizes. Even farms with their own HR or safety personnel can use FELS for audits, training or mock inspections designed to show how an operation might respond to a Cal/OSHA inspection.

For California agricultural employers, staying informed can make a significant difference. Listen to the full AgNet News Hour interview with Anna Genasci on your favorite podcast app or click below to hear the conversation and learn more about FELS and its resources for California agriculture.