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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The rule allows some H-2A positions to use federal labor wage calculations instead of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate.
The American Sheep Industry Association says high labor costs and volatile markets continue creating pressure for producers.
Industry leaders say labor shortages and visa caps are putting pressure on the future of domestic shrimping.
