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Our Work in Washington, D.C.

Stabilizing America's Farm Workforce through Immigration Solutions

September 15, 2022:

“You can’t stand on a platform of being pro-farmer in this country if you’re not willing to stick your neck out and try to do something to solve this labor crisis. While this might be a politically difficult issue, the solution is easy and straightforward. This is why the efforts of Senators Bennet and Crapo and subsequent action by the Senate is really so vital.”  — Chuck Conner, president & CEO, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives

“IFPA members tell us that, given how difficult the current H-2A process is, labor shortages are now the norm rather than the exception. Immigration reform is the single most important action that can be taken to give relief to Americans struggling to fight unprecedented food inflation and provide healthy food choices for their families. The cost of inaction is far too high.  No one can afford to wait any longer.” — Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association

“I hear from growers frequently who say they had to leave up to $200,000 worth of apples on the trees to rot because they couldn’t find people to pick them. I think that’s offensive to anybody who works in agriculture. We call on the Senate leadership to bring this legislation up and let the two bodies work out the differences in order to get a solution to the President’s desk as soon as possible.” — Jim Blair, president & CEO, U.S. Apple Association

“USCHI is supportive of agricultural labor reform measures that streamline the H2A program and ultimately lower costs for employers. Workforce instability is getting worse, not better.” — Kristi Boswell, Counsel, ALSTON & BIRD on behalf of US Custom Harvesters, Inc.

“Across the country, you hear stories of dairy farms going out of business because they cannot make the decisions and investments necessary to continue to operate. In many cases, it is no longer workforce uncertainty that affects farmers’ business decisions – it is the new unfortunate reality that there just aren’t workers. And the pain from this reality radiates out, harming local economies and rural communities more broadly; harming businesses, workers, and industry across the food system. We now urge all officials to show the same responsible leadership. We will notice your responsible leadership. We will stand with you. And we need action now.” — Claudia Larson, Senior Director of Government Relations, National Milk Producers Federation

National Media and Op-Eds:

NATIONAL MAINSTREAM MEDIA (from before and after the Sept. 15 event)

National Farm Media