Columbia Gorge farmers seek pear disaster declaration, revised housing and overtime rules

Farmers in the Columbia River Gorge are requesting federal assistance due to a catastrophic 2025 pear harvest, which has devastated their livelihoods. They're also urging state lawmakers to reconsider recent regulations that require overtime pay and new housing standards for farmworkers, which they claim will significantly raise operational costs. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the agricultural sector, emphasizing the need for both immediate relief and long-term policy adjustments to support farmers in these critical times.