House Republican leadership is currently struggling with immigration issues and it’s put the House farm bill that didn’t pass on Friday right on the back burner. The Hagstrom Report describes the bill as “dormant.” Speaker Paul Ryan called for reconsideration of the bill immediately after the vote on Friday. He declared that the “ayes” had won the voice vote but …
Agri View: Farmers and the Labor Law
Everett Griner talks about farmers wanting a new labor law in today’s Agri View. He takes a look at the current H-2A program and shares some agriculture labor statistics. Farmers and the Labor Law Agriculture is America’s largest employer. The number of those who work on farms is not a firm figure, but it is always the most. Think about …
New ‘Got Jobs?’ Campaign Demonstrates Dairy’s Substantial Impact on US Economy, States and Local Communities
Most Americans know milk and other dairy products are an essential part of a healthy diet. But less well-known is dairy’s contribution to the health of the U.S. economy and the economies of every state across the country. A new storytelling campaign launched by the U.S. dairy industry aims to shine a brighter, data-driven spotlight on the positive effects of …
Agri View: Fruit and Vegetable Labor Problem
Everett Griner talks about fruit and vegetable labor problem in today’s Agri View. Everett discusses why the labor issue is putting more cost on the products for the consumer. You may have noticed that you are paying more for your fresh fruit and vegetables this year. You are very likely to pay more next year. Fruit and Vegetable Labor Problem …
Analyst: Labor Shortages and Volatile Feed Prices Ahead for Meat Industry
A Rabobank analyst says the U.S. could be on the tail end of the second longest expansion of its economy in history. Rabobank Analyst Don Close told the North American Meat Institute this week there are implications for the meat industry, including a pending labor shortage and possible volatile commodity prices ahead, according to meat industry publication Meatingplace. Close warns …
Administration Vows To Arrange for Farmworkers To Enter U.S.
While Congress continues the struggle to pass immigration reform legislation, work is being done on administrative actions that might make it a little easier to hire farmworkers. According to Gary Crawford, both President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue say that there will be a legal system to provide U.S. farmers with the foreign-born workers they need. Administration Vows To Arrange …
Reform Needed for Ag Guest Worker Program
Farm groups are pressing lawmakers to reform the ag guest worker program, despite dwindling prospects for such measures, after more sweeping immigration reform failed. The American Farm Bureau Federation, National Pork Producers Council and others had hoped House ag guest worker reform was hitched to a huge spending bill passed in March. But, that bid failed when broader immigration reforms …
Immigration Verification Proposal Scuttled
Florida businesses won’t have to worry about voters requiring them to verify the immigration status of new employees. The state Constitution Revision Commission on Monday rejected a proposal that would have asked voters in November to require businesses to use a system similar to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Employment Authorization Program, known as E-Verify, to determine immigration-related eligibility …
Group Fights Immigration Verification Proposal
A wide-ranging coalition that includes a major Republican donor, cruise-line officials, agricultural interests and former pro basketball players is seeking to halt a proposed constitutional amendment that would require Florida businesses to verify the immigration status of new employees. The state Constitution Revision Commission is expected next week to consider putting the proposal on the November ballot. But members of …
USDA Looking for Administrative Ways to Help Farmers Get Workers
While Congress continues the struggle to pass immigration reform legislation, work is being done in the meantime on administrative actions that might make it a little easier to hire farm workers. Gary Crawford has the story. USDA Looking for Administrative Ways to Help Farmers Get Workers