Workforce Reform

[SENATE ONLY]

Background

For years, the fresh produce industry and our agriculture sector partners have made an overwhelming case for legislation to reform our broken immigration system and help build a legal and reliable workforce. With passage of the bipartisan 2021 Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R.1603) in the House of Representatives, we are one step closer to getting the reforms the fresh produce industry has needed for decades. 

Key Facts

While continuing to grow, the H-2A represents less than 10% of the hired agriculture labor force.
According to the Partnership for a New American Economy, shortages in farm labor have resulted in higher food prices for consumers and as much as $3 billion in missed GDP growth.

Talking Points

We encourage you to take up bi-partisan reform efforts that provide permanent legal protections and other needed reforms for Dreamers, agricultural workers; adopts a modern approach to securing the border by investing in smart border security and improving infrastructure at ports of entry; and addresses needed reforms to our H-2A guest worker program.