How can you manage risk in agribusinesses that rely on migrant labor?

This is critical step as labor shortage & or timely availability is major concern due to multiple factors of skill development, Human Resources, economic progress, diversification of work. We need to be ready with resource optimisation and should focus on mechanisation and automation of labor intensive activities for example in rice cultivation major labor requirement is during transplanting of the crop in fields this can be reduced if one adopts direct seeded rice (DSR) cultivation and undertake direct seeding of rice using mechanised seed drills. This saves water, saves resources and also helps in harvesting crop early. With advent of artificial intelligence and mechanisation one can optimize labor usage and increase efficiency.

Key is to treat each migrant as an individual and not as a group. Assess each person and make decisions based on the individual. Potential risks can be mitigated by taking time to understand "Their Stories". Put them in positions where they can succeed. Try to understand their motivations. Show empathy.

Realize uma análise detalhada das necessidades sazonais e de longo prazo da sua agroindústria. Isso inclui entender as habilidades necessárias, o número de trabalhadores e o tempo que eles s?o necessários. Uma compreens?o clara ajudará a planejar o recrutamento e a gest?o de forma mais eficaz.

Tema relevante. Pelo valor da vida. Pelo custo social e financeiro por algo que pode ser evitado. (1) Crie uma cultura de indicadores premiável. (2) treine, treine, treine. Todos. (3) Planejamento de recursos humanos. Tema que poucos conhecem. (4) Invista nas hard skills mas.... invista pesado nas soft. (5) Trabalhe cenários. Bons e ruins. Em suma: gest?o n?o amadora. ;))))

Planning is particularly important if you intend to use the H-2A program to hire foreign workers. To satisfy the program's temporary need requirements, you'll need to have a clearly-defined season and be prepared to submit evidence to substantiate your labor need during the requested period. Additionally, the program involves a multi-stage government approval process with defined regulatory filing timeframes. Except in emergency situations, the process can begin no later than 60 days before your start date of need, and no earlier than 75 days. In advance of that process, however, you'll need to assess your labor need, define the terms/conditions of employment, and make arrangements to house the requested number of workers.

The H-2A program is a viable option for growers with temporary or seasonal labor needs. To obtain workers through the H-2A program, growers must complete a multi-stage, multi-agency government approval process and comply with numerous program requirements. This includes a government-mandated wage rate, free housing and transportation for non-local workers, and special payroll/recordkeeping requirements. As a heavy-regulated program, there are many potential landmines and sources of liability for growers. It is essential that growers thoroughly familiarize themselves with program requirements and, ideally, seek professional help from a reputable, ethical agent or attorney who can advise on the process and best practices.

Identifique fontes confiáveis e legais de m?o de obra migrante. Isso pode envolver agências de recrutamento especializadas, programas governamentais de trabalhadores migrantes ou redes diretas em comunidades de migrantes. Certifique-se de que todas as fontes estejam em conformidade com as leis locais e internacionais.

**Legal Compliance and Labor Standards**: Ensure compliance with all relevant labor laws and regulations. This includes understanding and adhering to visa requirements, employment contracts, wage laws, and workplace safety standards. Implementing robust HR policies and procedures will help to ensure that the business is meeting its legal obligations and mitigating the risk of legal action.

Effectively managing risks in agribusinesses that rely on migrant labor requires a combination of proactive measures and adaptability. By diversifying labor sources, staying compliant with regulations, embracing technology, investing in skill development, fostering community engagement, and developing contingency plans, agribusinesses can navigate the complexities of labor challenges and ensure sustainable operations.

El Cultivo a Desarrollar, debe ser llevado en el Mejor Ecotipo (Agro-Climática) Posible, Rendirá al Máximo con el Mínimo Costo, lo contrario elevará los costos significativamente. Si el Manejo de la Mano de Obra Migrante con todos los requisitos por cumplir es “Alto”, y el Ecotipo no adecuado, talvez podría ser más ventajoso desarrollar el cultivo en otro país, donde el Ecotipo si se dé el mejor rendimiento con el menor costo en mano de obra con su marco legal propio. Si, aun así, se requiera mano de obra Migrante, el método para obtener esa mano de obra debe cumplir la misma premisa, la mejor mano de obra (Rendimiento), al menor costo (Valores de Mercado Idóneos), menor riesgo (Transferencia) y 100% cumplimiento de Leyes-Un Buen Gerente

**Housing and Living Conditions**: If your agribusiness provides housing for migrant workers, ensure that the facilities meet health and safety standards. Poor living conditions can lead to legal and reputational risks for the business.

Estabele?a e mantenha um ambiente de trabalho que respeite os direitos e a dignidade dos trabalhadores migrantes. Isso inclui salários justos, horas de trabalho razoáveis, equipamentos de seguran?a adequados, e acesso a cuidados médicos e alojamento decente. As condi??es de trabalho justas e seguras reduzem o risco de problemas legais e reputacionais.

Fair working conditions and understanding of immigrant cultures and traditions. Fostering a lot more conducive work environment and integration.

Para el Agronegocio, que la mano de obra migrante, pueda en determinado momento “estabilizarse”, sería ideal, para disponer de esa mano de obra desde la contratación local, las Visas H-2A van por ese lado. Esa estabilización, se consigue con el pago del salario justo (OIT/País de Destino) y las prestaciones inherentes a la naturaleza de la contratación como del empleado, el Idioma se convierte en la principal barrera, crear zonas bilingües donde pueda aprenderse el idioma del contratador (y sus costumbres) permitirá una mejor adaptación. El Migrante del Agronegocio que tenga estos marcos de desarrollo y libertad amaran su trabajo, empresa, zona actual de vida, y buscara aportar en todo sentido con el progreso, que le permitirá progresar.

To provide a fair and safe working environment in agribusiness, consider implementing the following measures: ? Safety Training: Conduct regular safety training sessions for all workers, covering proper equipment usage, emergency procedures, and the importance of adhering to safety protocols. ? Healthcare Facilities: Ensure access to healthcare facilities or medical assistance for workers. Promptly address any health concerns and provide first aid training to selected staff. ? Fair Wages: Pay fair wages in accordance with local regulations and industry standards. Transparently communicate payment structures and ensure timely and accurate payroll processing.

Managing risk in agribusiness that rely on migration of labor is a complex and challenging task. Some of the possible strategies are: Diversifying across crops and income sources to reduce the impact of market fluctuations and weather shocks. Adopting agile and timely recruitment procedures to ensure the availability and quality of seasonal workers. Providing adequate training and safety measures for workers to prevent accidents and injuries. insurance options to cover potential damages to crops, machinery, and buildings. Preparing for changes in operations due to COVID-19 pandemic, such as implementing health protocols, adjusting production plans, and seeking alternative markets.

Invista em treinamento para seus trabalhadores, n?o apenas em habilidades específicas da tarefa, mas também em áreas como seguran?a no trabalho e direitos dos trabalhadores. Uma for?a de trabalho bem treinada é mais eficiente e menos propensa a acidentes. Além disso, oferecer oportunidades de crescimento e um ambiente de trabalho positivo pode ajudar a reter trabalhadores, reduzindo a necessidade de recrutamento constante.

To train and retain workers managers should develop structured training programs that covers essential skills and job responsibilities. Also implement regular performance reviews and feedback sessions. Recognize and reward achievements and provide constructive criticism when necessary

I disagree with training and retaining a migrant worker who's intentions is to work and earn some cash for a particular reason or season. A worker can be retained if his/her intentions is to relocate and ready to learn and work

The work environment should always be one that promotes growth, mutual understanding and healthy competition. Organizations should priorize training of staff for both on-job and off-job challenges. Labor should also understand in clear detail the goal. Focus should be on retaining rather than cheap labor.

Implemente um sistema para monitorar regularmente as condi??es de trabalho e a satisfa??o dos trabalhadores. Isso pode incluir pesquisas regulares, inspe??es e canais de feedback. O monitoramento contínuo ajuda a identificar e resolver problemas rapidamente.

- Los Migrantes – Y trabajadores en General son nuestros Clientes Internos, y aunque parezca que solo importa la satisfacción del Agronegocio – Empresa, también se hace necesario EL PROCESO PERMANENTE DE EVALUACION DEL AMBIENTE LABORAL con todo lo que ello representa, desde la Contratación, la Rotación Laboral, la Deserción, Las Promociones, Los Ascensos Organizacionales, Incidentes/Accidentes, y más. Todos los Empleados (Migrantes o no) deben ver, que el Agro-Negocio/Empresa es mas que un Sue?o Ideal, sino algo conseguible (Merito Medible Alcanzable). La COMUNICACIóN directa o incluso la Anónima Garantizada, es otra Herramienta que reduce Riesgos (Demandas, Malos Entendidos, etc), y debe permitirse en todas las instancias posibles.

**Monitoring and Reporting**: Implement robust monitoring and reporting systems to track labor-related metrics, such as turnover rates, injury rates, and compliance with labor standards. This data can help identify potential risks and areas for improvement.

Contribute to the community by supporting local initiative, schools or charitable projects. This will demonstrate commitment to the well being of the society there by increasing your brand reputation. Also by joining and actively participating in relevant industry organization will result in networking opportunities, access to industry news and contribution to shaping the industry standards.

One key takeaway from my years of experience working with stakeholders is that community buy-in can make or break any business, especially those that directly affect the health and well-being of buyers. Therefore, it is important to: Have a clear understanding of the values and overall goals of the community you seek to serve. Give back through impactful initiatives that add value rather than detract. Empower the community through employment, leading to financial freedom and commitment.

Construa rela??es positivas com as comunidades de onde os trabalhadores migrantes vêm e com outros stakeholders no setor agrícola. Isso pode incluir parcerias com organiza??es locais, participa??o em iniciativas de setor para melhorar as condi??es dos trabalhadores migrantes, e colabora??o com outras agroindústrias para compartilhar melhores práticas.

**Technology and Automation**: Explore the use of technology and automation to reduce reliance on manual labor. While this may not directly address the risks associated with migrant labor, it can help mitigate the impact of labor shortages and regulatory changes.

Skills development of Employees especially training in technology and it's developments such as AI. So they have skills. For example Drone operations So that even if a government decides to deport immigrant labour they have a professional to rely on.

Increase workers salary for effective and efficient productivity. As a result of salary increase most workers are likely to put in more effort to attain the company's goals and objectives