Yoho Drafts New Ag Labor Bill – Invites Ag Input

Dan Florida, Labor and Immigration, Legislative

Florida Congressman Ted Yoho this week released a draft of guest worker legislation that he is sharing with the farm sector for further comments and input. Yoho has produced a video about his efforts, and just announced a round table meeting with farmers for further input and discussion about his legislative ideas. The round table is scheduled for Wednesday, August …

Secretary Perdue on Labor Agreement with Guatemala

Dan Industry News Release, Labor and Immigration

Washington, D.C. (USDA) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue applauded the Department of Labor and Guatemala on the signing of an agreement to improve H-2A visa program operations. Secretary Perdue issued the following statement: “Our farmers and ranchers are the most productive in the world, and they want to obey immigration law. This move by the United States and …

Alabama Looking for Temporary Help during Peanut Harvest

Dan Alabama, Labor and Immigration, Peanuts

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) will be accepting applications and conducting interviews for temporary employment for the 2019 peanut harvest at various locations in the state during August. Tyron Spearman has more details. For more information concerning positions available, starting salaries along with dates and locations where applications will be accepted and interviews conducted, please visit: http://www.alabamafsis.com. Sponsored …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

Workforce Modernization Act

Perdue on Proposed H-2A Program Modernization

Dan Labor and Immigration

Monday, the Labor Department announced plans to modernize a long-time guest worker agricultural labor program. Rod Bain has a story noting the reaction to the news from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. To view the proposed rule click here. Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundJuly 31, 2024CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024

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 …