Northwest Farm Management (NWFM), based in Washington state, was mistakenly reported to be permanently laying off nearly 300 workers, sparking confusion in the agriculture community. CEO and co-founder Keith Veselka clarified that the notice was due to a new state law requiring layoff notifications, not a permanent reduction.
Veselka explained the jobs are seasonal, tied to apple harvests that end in November. Once the fruit is gone, contracts conclude, and hiring begins again the following year.
He stressed that nothing has changed in NWFM’s operations and that the company will continue its regular seasonal employment cycle.