A new pilot program that seeks to bolster the food and ag supply chain and tackle farm workforce challenges has been introduced by the Biden-Harris Administration. The Farm Labor Stabilization …
New H-2A Rules Proposed by Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has introduced a proposal for new H-2A rules intended to improve overall conditions for workers. A notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) has been made …
Lawmakers Establish Bipartisan Agricultural Labor Working Group
A new Agricultural Labor Working Group has been established to focus on the consistent issues that farmers have been facing with regard to labor. The bipartisan group was announced by …
Farm Operations Support Act Aims to Suspend H-2A Wage Increases
A bipartisan group of lawmakers is working to keep the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) from increasing further in 2023. Senators Jon Ossoff and Thom Tillis have introduced the Farm …
Agricultural Groups Concerned by Latest H-2A Wage Rules
A final rule updating the Adverse Effect Wage Rates for the H-2A program has been published in the Federal Register. The amended H-2A wage rules from the U.S. Department of …
Ag Groups Encouraged by Affordable and Secure Food Act Introduction
Senator Michael Bennet has introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate in an attempt to address farm labor challenges. The Affordable and Secure Food Act seeks to reform the H-2A Temporary …
Industry Engagement Sought for Farm Labor Stabilization Grant Program
Industry members are being encouraged to participate in the development process of a new farm labor stabilization and protection pilot grant program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking …
Up to $65 Million to Become Available to Support Farm Employers with H-2A Workers
Funding from the American Rescue Plan is being set aside to provide assistance for farm employers with H-2A workers. Up to $65 million in support will be made available through …
Use of H-2A Program More Than Triples Between 2010 and 2019
The use of the H-2A program has more than tripled over the last decade. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, the number of H-2A positions …
Potential For Year-Round H-2A Access on The Horizon
A bipartisan amendment that was approved by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee will allow for year-round H-2A access. While the year-round availability would be temporary, it would help address critical …
‘Large Step Forward’ Taken with Farm Labor Reform Roundtable
A recent farm labor reform roundtable brought together Senate leadership, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and farm and farmworker organizations. The group discussed the need for change as detailed in the …
Farm Groups Push for Swift Action on Agriculture Labor from The Senate
The Agriculture Workforce Coalition is calling for action on behalf of the U.S. Senate in regard to agriculture labor. In a letter sent to Senate leadership, the coalition highlights the …
Farm Workforce Modernization Act Reintroduced with Ag Support
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act has been reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Representatives Zoe Lofgren and Dan Newhouse introduced the legislation that is designed to reform the H-2A …
New AEWR from Department of Labor Brings California Up To $16.05
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has finally revealed what the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) will be for 2021. Employers of H-2A workers will now know what wage expectations …