GPN’s Labor Roundtable

Labor costs, regulatory uncertainty and workforce availability remain top challenges for growers. In this expert-led labor roundtable webinar, Michigan State University extension economist Zach Rutledge breaks down major changes to the H-2A program for 2025, including new Department of Labor rules that lower Adverse Effect Wage Rates and allow housing cost deductions. Rutledge explains what these updates mean for grower operations and where real cost savings may be possible.
Adding a national policy lens, Michael Marsh, president and CEO of the National Council of Agricultural Employers, examines what growers should be preparing for in 2026. He discusses the impact of the Interim Final Rule, how labor regulations could shift under a change in Administration, the status of agricultural labor reform in Congress and ongoing challenges across the H-2A system.
Rounding out the conversation, Tomas Geurts of Source.ag brings a forward-looking perspective on how growers are responding to labor pressures inside the greenhouse. Geurts shares insight into how automation, data-driven decision-making and AI-powered greenhouse technology are helping operations do more with fewer workers, improve labor efficiency and build resilience against ongoing labor shortages.
Together, this roundtable delivers practical, timely insight to help growers balance labor costs, policy risk and technology investments while planning for the seasons ahead.

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