EDD's Labor Market Information Division contracted with the UC Agricultural Personnel Management Program to conduct this study, which also included complementary surveys of growers and workers. Although contractors who flaunt even the basic filing requirements were underrepresented, the report adds to evidence of a sector of FLCs trying to run their businesses effectively and fairly within the guidelines of public policy. Study findings may be quickly brought into assessment of recent legislative initiatives and new regulatory proposals affecting labor contractors. Material in the report has already been considered by the U.S. Commission on Agricultural Workers and the state Farm Worker Services Coordinating Council. It relieves growers of burdens associated with direct employment and supervision of workers, especially for seasonal tasks of short duration, and can provide workers more continuous earning opportunities in a succession of such tasks.
Contractors use specialized knowledge and skills, offices, computers, and field equipment.
Most of those interviewed have enduring relationships with customers and direct ownership interest in at least one related business. Contractors are mostly of Hispanic background, about half born in Mexico and more than one-quarter in California. More than half speak Spanish at home. Most are in their 40s and 50s, average less than 10 years of total schooling, and have plenty of agricultural experience. More than a fourth have been growers or farm managers.