Workforce Modernization Act

U.S. and Guatemala Working Together on H-2A Recruiting

Dan Industry News Release, Labor and Immigration

(NAFB) — Governments in the U.S. and Guatemala are working together to form a “registered Foreign Labor Recruiter Program” for farmworkers who want to come to the U.S. Politico says the initiative is part of several agreements that the governments are discussing to address what they call “irregular immigration patterns.” Under the program, the U.S. would prioritize H-2A visa applications …

immigration reform

Guest-Worker Reforms Essential as Enforcement Increases

Dan Industry News Release, Labor and Immigration

(AFBF) — The federal government’s announcement of plans to expand and expedite the deportation of undocumented workers prompted a forceful call for guest-worker reforms by AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We are a nation of laws and farmers believe our laws must be followed, but our laws also ought to allow for an adequate, legal workforce,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. …

florida

Farm Groups to Evaluate H-2A Proposal

Dan Industry News Release, Labor and Immigration

(NAFB) — Agriculture groups are evaluating the Department of Labor’s H-2A proposal announced earlier this week. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall welcomed the proposal, thanking the Trump administration for “recognizing the need to reform” the program. However, noting the rule is lengthy, Duvall says AFBF will “evaluate it closely for its potential to assist growers with their labor …

afbf

Crawford Introduces Legislation to Reform H-2A Program

Dan Industry News Release, Labor and Immigration

Legislation introduced in the House of Representatives would transfer jurisdiction for agricultural guest workers from the Department of Labor to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The bill comes as the Labor Department Monday opened a comment period on proposed rulemaking changes to the program. The changes “strengthen protections” for workers. Meanwhile, the Agricultural Guest Worker Reform Initiative, or AGRI …

immigration reform

Perdue on the Department of Labor’s Proposed H2A Modernized Rule

Dan Industry News Release, Labor and Immigration

Washington, D.C. (USDA) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement on the Department of Labor’s proposed rule to modernize the H-2A program to reflect stakeholder concerns and improve access to a legal source of agricultural labor: “President Trump once again shows his commitment to helping America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers continue to be the most productive …

peanut

ADAI Accepting Applications for Temporary Employment during 2019 Peanut Harvest

Dan Alabama, Industry News Release, Labor and Immigration, Peanuts

MONTGOMERY (ADAI) — The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) will be accepting applications and conducting interviews for temporary employment between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM on the dates and at the locations listed below. Applications are only accepted by applicants that attend one of the following interview sessions. August 9th: Andalusia Public Library – 212 …

dairy

Animal Agriculture Alliance Urges Producers to have Vigilance in Hiring Process

Dan Cattle, Industry News Release, Labor and Immigration, Livestock

(Animal Agriculture Alliance) – Are the employees working on your farm there to help care for your animals? Do their goals align with your business? Unfortunately, it’s a common strategy for some animal rights activist organizations to have individuals go “undercover” on farms to record videos that can be taken out of context, stage scenes of animal mistreatment or encourage abuse to …

florida

USDA Launches New Farmers.gov Features to Help with H2A Applications, Managing Loans

Dan Economy, Industry News Release, Labor and Immigration

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched two new features on farmers.gov to help customers manage their farm loans and navigate the application process for H2A visas. “Customer service is our top priority at USDA and these new features will help our customers as they manage their farm loans and navigate the H-2A temporary agricultural …

AFBF Concerned about Labor, Trade if Border Closed

Dan Industry News Release, Labor and Immigration, Trade

The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging the administration to make sure that any steps undertaken to tighten enforcement at the U.S. border do not create more uncertainty for agricultural producers. “Right now, farmers and ranchers are toughing it out,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Many of our products are caught up in a trade dispute. Mother Nature has devastated the …