Farm Labor
From full time to part time employees, seasonal employees, family members, minors, apprentices, interns and volunteers, farm labor laws are complex because of the variety of workers (and their classifications) a farm can employ. Requirements for hiring, safety and reporting to government agencies on employment take time and are best considered in advance of needing labor. Due to the variety of labor a farm requires, the agriculture sector has specific resources for labor including guides and hands-on workshops.
Guides
Washington State Department of Agriculture
Handbook for Small and Direct Marketing Farms Labor on the Farm fact sheet
The following information and regulations are for every classification of worker you might have on your farm. As an employer, farms have legal responsibilities when hiring employees, interns, apprentices and volunteers. In this fact sheet, you will find information on:
- Managing people;
- Labor laws for employees;
- Employer Identification Number (EIN);
- minimum wage;
- hiring young workers;
- hiring family;
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) requirements;
- providing a safe workplace for your employees;
- payroll taxes;
- Labor laws for interns;
- Labor laws for apprentices; and
- Labor laws for volunteers.
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Agricultural Employer Worksheet
A form-based wizard for agricultural employers to ensure they are meeting requirements for their labor force.
Small Business Guide Payroll Your Business
Covers guidelines for the many requirements of payroll reporting in a step-by-step format including hourly and salaried payroll calculators.
Small Farm Internship Project
Provides history, guidelines, frequently asked questions, application and L&I staff contacts for assistance
Workshops
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries has workshops as well as online trainings, videos, and posters available to business owners. Workshops include: