The House Judiciary Committee has passed the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. The United Fresh Produce Association and the U.S. Apple Association applied this decision, and have both made statements regarding this development.
The United Fresh Produce Association applauds the passage of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act by the House Judiciary Committee and urges its passage by the full House of Representatives.
“The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is a testament to the tenacity of members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to bring much needed reform to the agriculture industry. The sustainability of American agriculture is at stake if our labor situation is not addressed,” said Tom Stenzel, President & CEO of United Fresh Produce Association. “It is imperative that the House act quickly to pass this legislation. This bipartisan bill is cosponsored by nearly two dozen Republican members of Congress, demonstrating wide support. We believe a strong vote in the House will lead the way for the Senate to follow suit to finally address the labor crisis in American agriculture.”
Jim Bair, president and CEO of the U.S. Apple Association also made a statement with regard to the passing of the act: “The U.S. Apple Association applauds Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren, and the House Judiciary Committee for advancing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. This meaningful agriculture labor reform will greatly benefit the U.S. apple industry, which is why we joined more than 300 agricultural organizations in support of the bill. The legislation is bipartisan with nearly 50 cosponsors equally divided between Republicans and Democrats.”
“The Farm Workforce Modernization Act will stabilize the current agricultural workforce by creating a process for them to gain work authorization to continue working in agriculture. The bill also brings needed modernization and cost containment to the H-2A agricultural guestworker program.”
“Each year growers coast to coast face uncertainty as to whether there will be sufficient labor to harvest the crop. The current system causes an unstable situation for not only apple growers, but for all farmers who depend on immigrant labor to bring Americans healthy and affordable food. A stable, legal and reliable workforce is critical if we are to continue to have a vibrant domestic apple supply.”
“Time is of the essence and our growers cannot wait another harvest season for relief. We urge Speaker Nancy Pelosi, to schedule a vote by the full House of Representatives this calendar year.”
For more information: 
Mary Coppola
United Fresh Produce Association
Tel: 202-303-3425
www.unitedfresh.org
Tracy Grondine
U.S. Apple Association
Tel: +1 (703) 442-8850
Email: tgrondine@usapple.org
www.usapple.org