Agriculture Asks for Expanded Access to H-2A Program

WASHINGTON, DC – It’s a simple sign, but one that many businesses are displaying today: help wanted.

For farmers, ranchers, and others in agriculture, the industry has struggled to find consistent help for years and has relied on the old H-2A guest worker program.

Unfortunately, this program is designed for seasonal agriculture and fails to meet the workforce needs of year-round livestock producers.

National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Jen Sorenson testified Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee and explained that “now more than ever, we need a dedicated, year-round workforce.” If not addressed, she explained, the labor shortage “could lead to farms and packing plants shutting down, causing serious financial harm to the communities in which they operate (thus) leading to higher food prices for consumers.”

Earlier this year, the House passed a bill that would offer year-round visas but would cap the number available at any one time. Though a step in the right direction, NPPC, and other related groups are asking for year-round access without any caps.

“A cap will force different sectors of livestock agriculture to compete against one another for the same limited number of year-round visas” Sorenson explained and “in that scenario, no one wins and, ultimately, the consumer will be punished with reduced pork supplies and higher prices at the store.”
(SOURCE: All Ag News)