Ag Labor Working Group Created to Gather Input from Producers
Approximately 21 million people are employed in the ag and food industry, according to USDA data from 2021. Of the 21 million, 2.6 million people work directly on the farm. But farmers are pleading for more employment in the sector.
The Committee on Ag is looking to solve these workforce issues with the formation of the Agricultural Labor Working Group.
“This is a complex problem that deserves the focused attention of the Members who hear from producers every day rather than the partisan grandstanding that has plagued these efforts in the past,” House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) and Ranking Member David Scott (D-Ga.) said in a statement.
According to the committee press release, the Ag Labor Working Group’s responsibilities will include:
• Gathering input from ag stakeholders, employers and workers, while “particularly emphasizing the H-2A visa program for nonimmigrant agricultural workers”
• Crafting a report about the program and its impact on food security
• Filing a final report that includes recommendations to address the program’s flaws.
“A robust ag industry starts with a strong and healthy workforce. However, due to a labor shortage, American farmers are increasingly turning to overseas workers to fill positions on the farm. Unfortunately, this is not an easy process because our visa policies and regulations have become convoluted and burdensome. Reforms are desperately needed to address this pressing issue," said Co-Chair Rick Crawford (R-Ar.).
Here are the representatives appointed to the working group:
Rep. Don Davis, Co-Chair (D-N.C.)
Rep. Yadira Caraveo (D-Co.)
Rep. Salud Cabajal (D-Ca.)
Rep. Jim Costa (D-Ca.)
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX)
Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL)
Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.)
Rep. Rick Crawford
Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR)
Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-TX)
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Ca.)
Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.)
Rep. David Rouzer (R-N.C.)
Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI)
According to the press release, the members were chosen based on location and differing sectors of ag.
"Labor is one of the biggest limiting factors facing agriculture, and farmers need a system that provides long-term stability," said Zippy Duvall, Farm Bureau president. "We are committed to engaging with the newly formed working group to address meaningful H-2A reform and a reasonable wage rate that enables farmers and their employees to continue meeting the needs of America’s families.”
