Seeking wage relief for U.S. growers using foreign guest workers, the National Council of Agricultural Employers still wants the U.S. Department of Labor to determine if U.S. workers are hurt by the H-2A program. 

Another mandated increase in H-2A guest farmworker wage rates has made Congressional action on farm labor reform even more critical, according to the Agriculture Workforce Coalition.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Farm Workforce Modernization Act Dec. 11.

Fresh produce industry organizations are urging House members to approve the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019, which they are voting on Dec. 11.

Congress is taking steps to address the labor crisis facing farmers and ranchers.

The bill now moves to the full house for consideration. It comes on the heels of USDA releasing a new farm labor report.

Both wages and the number of farm labor workers are up compared with a year ago.

(UPDATED, Nov. 21) Bipartisan farmworker immigration legislation has cleared its first hurdle, passing by voice vote in the House Judiciary Committee Nov. 20.

A two-year study of the Equitable Food Initiative’s workforce development program found benefits to both companies and employees.

Drawing broad bipartisan and industry support, House lawmakers on Oct. 30 introduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. 

Equitable Food Initiative has created a free responsible recruitment scorecard, available in English and Spanish.