Expanding market access is top of mind, but concerns still linger around farm labor. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act was reintroduced earlier this month, and Washington State Congressman Dan Newhouse says the bill boils down to common sense.
“It’s not rocket science what we’re trying to do. Basically, we want people to be able to come into our country legally, work on farms, in this case, in this legislation, where we need them. And when the work is done, and they want to go back home, they can do that legally as well, without fear of not being able to come back.”
Newhouse says other countries have successfully addressed their ag labor challenges, urging his colleagues to get to work.
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Secretary Rollins’ plan targets high costs, labor challenges, and export growth, delivering relief at home while building markets abroad.
Farmers should anticipate continued upward pressure on farm labor costs and monitor policy changes that may further impact hiring decisions.
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According to the National Council of Farmers Cooperatives (NCFC), President and CEO Chuck Conner says, there is only one other option besides addressing ag labor shortages.
Labor is an ongoing crisis in the ag sector. One industry group outlines three vital reforms to the H-2A visa program that farmers need to secure an affordable, stable workforce.
