In January, California will raise pay for H-2A guest farmworkers from $16.90 to $19.75 an hour after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the controversial AB 2646 in September.
Dozens of trade associations opposed the decision, saying it would not raise the minimum wage for most of California's agricultural workforce and could raise costs for consumers, while others have supported the move as paying fairer cost-of-living wages in the state.
Here's what to know
AB 2646 will go into effect Jan. 1 despite fierce pushback from trade groups like Western Growers, which called the move "economically stupid."
"At a time where 86% of farmers have second jobs, AB 2646 will make it more expensive to farm in California. Farmers can't pass along cost increases like other industries," the California Farm Bureau Federation added in a statement, per DTN Progressive Farmer.
Backers of the bill included the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation and United Farm Workers, which viewed the legislation as a way to fight against eroding wages.
The Localize app, which is geared toward buying directly from small farms, saw it as a moment to make the point that services like what it provides can make sense. "This is why you buy direct," Localize said. "Skip the industrial supply chain and shop small farms that pay workers fairly."
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Commenters were similarly split. Some felt the bill did not go far enough, while others were skeptical it would work as intended.
"That's still not a livable wage," one remarked.
"It seems nice! But everything is going up in prices," another said.
Where can I learn more?
These stories offer more context on how farm policy, worker protections, and agricultural pressures can affect workers, growers, and food systems.
They cover new California farmworker benefits, federal agriculture fights, produce price shocks, and local conflicts over large-scale farm expansion.
• In California, Newsom signed a paid sick days bill that strengthened farmworkers' job protections.
• In Washington, critics warned the House Farm Bill would hurt farmers, communities, and forests.
• In Spain, shoppers faced dramatic price surges as inflation squeezed groceries nationwide.
• In Planada, California, residents said dairy fumes ruined summers as an 8,000-cow farm sought expansion.
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