Get to Know the Farm Workforce Modernization Act
November 3, 2019 Accessibility to a stable labor force has been and continues to be among top challenges for specialty crop growers. Introduction of the new Farm Workforce Modernization Act (HR 4916) might be what finally gets growers the helping hands they need.
The bipartisan bill, introduced by Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA), seeks to streamline the legal channels for future seasonal and permanent workers and clarify the hiring process. The proposed legislation is built on three main pillars/titles (1. Earned Status for Certified Agricultural Workers; 2. Improving the H-2A Program; and 3. Mandatory E-Verify for the Agricultural Sector).
Click here to read a summary of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.
Ag industry association leaders are speaking out about the proposed legislation. Here’s what some of them had to say.
Craig Regelbrugge, Senior VP, AmericanHort: “This bipartisan compromise advances an important debate and provides a platform for serious consideration of urgently needed reforms addressing the agricultural sector and farm employees. What happens on the farm doesn’t stay on the farm; the work contributions of each farm worker create and sustain two to three job opportunities in the surrounding economy. Rural areas across the country benefit from the jobs and economic opportunity that farm workers create, so long as we are growing and producing labor-intensive crops and commodities here in America. We urge both the House and Senate to move swiftly to advance and improve upon this important legislative foundation.”
Robert Guenther, Senior VP, Public Affairs, United Fresh Produce Association: “This was the result of months of negotiation sessions with Democratic and Republican House offices, industry stakeholders, and farmworker advocates. Most importantly, this bill addresses many of the issues the fresh produce industry has been advocating for over the last two decades including a pathway to legalization for the current workforce and significant reforms to the H-2A program. United Fresh was proud to be part of this effort and also helping garner 44 original cosponsors. There is still work to be done and we will need the entire industry pushing their elected officials to support this effort over the next several weeks.”
AmericanHort is planning to host a webinar on the topic. Click here for more details.
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