H2A Visa Program Basics

The H-2A visa program makes it possible for farmers to bring in citizens of other countries for agricultural work in the United States. This video will help farmers assess whether H-2A might be a good fit with their operations. We consider the program’s purpose and legal obligations. With human trafficking also on the rise, we’ll address key ways producers can guard against worker vulnerability in this program.

This series is presented by the Cultivemos Legal Cohort. Cultivemos, (formerly known as FRSAN-NE, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Northeast) aims to improve behavioral health awareness, literacy, access, and outcomes for farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers in the Northeast by developing a service provider network that can assist and meet the unique needs of agricultural workers.

Employment Law for Massachusetts Farmers

What should farms in Massachusetts consider when hiring employees? What are the rules of the road for agricultural workers in the Commonwealth. These two webinars from 2018 and 2024 cover key information for complying with Massachusetts employment law. Both webinars cover worker classification, overtime, agricultural labor exceptions, minimum wages (note that the amounts changed from 2018 to 2024), and comparing Massachusetts and federal employment laws, and how to know which applies.

Attorney Beth O’Neal of Conn Kavanaugh also covers the following in her 2018 presentation:

  • Consequences of employee misclassification
  • 2018 federal unpaid intern guidance

Attorney Sean Fontes of Partridge Snow & Hahn also covers the following in his 2024 presentation:

  • A deeper dive into agricultural labor
  • Leave and sick time
  • Unemployment insurance
  • Paying minors
  • 2024 federal independent contractor classification rule