Working with a Farm Labor Contractor Best Practices

Many vineyard owners in Napa Valley—especially those who are absentee or have limited in-house crews—rely on Farm Labor Contractors (FLCs) or Vineyard Management Companies (VMCs) to meet their workforce needs. But outsourcing labor doesn’t outsource liability. As of California’s Assembly Bill 1897 (AB 1897), owners share legal responsibility for labor law violations. That means being proactive, informed, and document-savvy is more important than ever.
Here’s how to protect your operation and uphold the highest labor standards in our region.

1. Understand Your Shared Liability

• Know the law: AB 1897 establishes that companies (and vineyard owners) who hire FLCs or VMCs are jointly liable for any violations of:
  • California wage and hour laws
  • Occupational safety and health standards (Cal/OSHA)
  • Workers’ compensation coverage
• This means: If your FLC underpays their workers or fails to provide safety training, your vineyard could be held responsible—even if you weren’t directly involved

2. Use a formal labor agreement

• Consider using the FELS (Farm Employers Labor Service) Farm Labor Agreement or a similar, legally reviewed contract
• Ensure the agreement outlines:
  • The scope of work
  • Roles and responsibilities for compliance
  • Clear indemnification language that shifts liability for violations to the FLC/VMC
• This agreement should be signed before work begins and updated annually or as legal requirements change

3. Collect and retain essential documentation

• Before any work starts, request and retain copies of:
  • Valid federal and California state FLC licenses, make sure they haven’t expired
  • Workers’ compensation insurance certificates naming your vineyard as an additional insured party if possible
  • General liability insurance to cover potential on-site injuries or damages
  • County registration forms (if your county requires local contractor registration)
  • Labor Payment Bond proof, which guarantees worker payment in case the FLC fails to do so
• Keep all documentation organized and on file in case of audits or labor disputes

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