Advancing Real Solutions for Ag Labor and Trade on Capitol Hill
June 1, 2025 AmericanHort continues to lead efforts at the intersection of policy and practice, advocating for practical solutions to the most pressing issues facing growers and green industry businesses today. From navigating the agricultural labor crisis to engaging in high-level trade and regulatory discussions, we are actively working with federal agencies, congressional leaders, and allied organizations to ensure the industry’s voice is heard. This update highlights recent developments — including labor policy reform efforts, critical legislation, leadership appointments, tariff negotiations, and trade agreements — that have significant implications for horticulture and agriculture nationwide.
Addressing Ag Labor Challenges
Alongside allied industry groups, AmericanHort has engaged in a series of strategic meetings with the U.S. Departments of Labor (DOL), Agriculture (USDA), and Homeland Security (DHS), as well as with key congressional offices, to advance solutions to the ongoing agricultural labor crisis. Discussions with the agencies focused on actionable steps to reduce the cost burden on growers and improve the functionality of the H-2A visa program. Among the proposed solutions were reforming the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), cutting unnecessary program costs, revisiting burdensome regulations, and fostering better interagency coordination. On Capitol Hill, coalition representatives met with lawmakers and staff who have championed these issues in the past, emphasizing the importance of developing and passing bipartisan legislation in the 119th Congress that can deliver meaningful relief to America’s growers.
Farm Workforce Legislation Reintroduced, But Updates Needed for Today’s Challenges
A bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), has reintroduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, legislation aimed at overhauling the H-2A visa program and providing a more stable, legal workforce for the agricultural sector. While the bill has passed the House twice with bipartisan support, it returns to Congress largely unchanged since its initial 2019 negotiation, despite significant shifts in labor dynamics and grower needs.
AmericanHort recognizes the intent behind the legislation but does not support the current version of this bill. As the farm labor crisis intensifies, a five-year-old framework is no longer sufficient. Today’s growers face mounting costs, regulatory burdens, and workforce unpredictability. AmericanHort is actively working with the bill’s sponsors to revise the proposal so that it better reflects current realities and delivers real-world solutions for the industry.
Secretary Rollins Appoints New State Directors and AMS Administrator
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a new group of presidential appointees to serve as State Directors for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development (RD) in May. These leaders will help implement USDA programs by promoting economic growth in rural communities. Secretary Rollins emphasized the importance of strong leadership in putting “Farmers First” and revitalizing rural America.
Secretary Rollins also announced Erin Morris will be the next Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Administrator. Morris will bring 25 years of experience in AMS to her Administrator position. AMS supports the fair, efficient, and transparent marketing of U.S. agricultural products across domestic and international markets.
Senate Ag Committee Advances USDA Nominees
The Senate Agriculture Committee voted 12-11 along party lines to advance two USDA nominees, Stephen Vaden for Deputy Secretary and Tyler Clarkson for general counsel, to the full Senate. Democrats, led by Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, opposed the nominations due to concerns about the nominees’ past records. Vaden and Clarkson both held senior legal roles during the first Trump administration, and if confirmed, they would join Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the only USDA official currently confirmed by the Senate.
Key Trade Updates:
Tariff Update
On Monday, May 12, 2025, following high-level negotiations in Geneva, President Donald Trump and senior Chinese officials announced a 90-day reduction in tariffs as both nations work toward a more lasting trade agreement.
90-Day Tariff Pause & Reductions
The U.S. and China have agreed to reduce their recent 125% tariffs to a temporary 10% rate. These changes will take effect by May 14, 2025, and are intended to allow negotiators time to work out a longer-term solution.
Fentanyl/IEEPA Tariffs Remain
The U.S. will maintain the Fentanyl/IEEPA 20% tariff on certain Chinese imports. This means the minimum effective tariff on many Chinese goods will remain at 30%.
Retaliation Measures Lifted
China will remove non-tariff trade barriers and suspend or eliminate retaliatory tariffs introduced since April 2, 2025. This includes pausing its own 34% retaliatory tariff while maintaining a baseline 10% tariff for the duration of the talks.
Section 301, 232, and Other Legacy Tariffs Still in Place
The U.S. will retain tariffs imposed before April 2, including those under Section 301 (intellectual property), Section 232 (national security), and IEEPA/fentanyl-related emergency powers.
Ongoing Negotiations
No specific dates have been announced for the next meeting with Chinese officials. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are expected to meet again with China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng in the coming weeks. Both sides have agreed to establish a formal mechanism to keep talks moving.
Strategic Decoupling, Not Economic Separation
According to Secretary Bessent, the goal is to decouple the U.S. and Chinese supply chains in strategic sectors, not across the board. The U.S. aims to preserve access to Chinese markets for American businesses while reinforcing domestic supply chain resilience.
New U.S.–U.K. Trade Agreement Framework
On May 8, 2025, President Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled the outline of a new U.S.–U.K. trade deal. The deal is aimed at expanding market access for American agricultural exports, including beef, poultry, and ethanol, while retaining the U.S. 10% baseline tariff and securing U.K. commitments to boost trade in aerospace and auto goods.
Senate Effort to Overturn Trump’s Tariffs Fails in 49-49 Deadlock
A Senate resolution to overturn the emergency economic declaration supporting President Trump’s 10% baseline “reciprocal” tariffs failed this week in a 49-49 tie. The vote fell short due to absences from key senators and the lack of a tiebreaking vote. Led by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Rand Paul (R-KY), the resolution aimed to roll back both the baseline and additional country-specific tariffs announced in April under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. While the administration has temporarily paused higher tariffs for most countries except China, the baseline tariff remains in effect.
Despite the resolution’s failure, some Republican senators expressed private concerns over the economic impacts, particularly on agriculture and rural communities. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) noted that many GOP members still believe in free trade but are reluctant to challenge the administration publicly. Meanwhile, Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) acknowledged farmers’ unease but expressed optimism that upcoming trade deals, reportedly in progress with 17 countries, could offset the disruption.
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