A coalition of 30 organizations, led by the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission, is demanding greater transparency in how the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) is calculated under the H-2A guest worker program.
The group argues that the current methodology, based on USDA and Bureau of Labor Statistics data, causes unsustainable wage inflation and threatens the viability of U.S. agriculture. AEWR now averages $18.12 per hour, with labor costs making up over 40% of expenses for specialty crop growers.
"This trajectory is unsustainable," said GFVGA's Chris Butts, calling for a fair, data-driven process that supports both farmers and workers.
The coalition will file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to examine how AEWR is determined. Meanwhile, a federal court will hear arguments on AEWR's legality on July 1 in Tampa, Florida.
With sweetpotato farms and other labor-intensive crops under pressure, the coalition warns that continued cost hikes could reduce U.S. fruit and vegetable production, threaten rural jobs, and raise consumer prices.
The group is also urging stakeholders to advocate for change with their local and state representatives.
Source: produceprocessing.net