NY bill to move H-2A visa program to the Department of Agriculture
“Agriculture is the backbone of our North Country economy and I am pleased to introduce this important bill to address the labor shortages facing our farmers,” Stefanik said.
The Family Farm Relief Act of 2017 looks to ease the process for farmers and allows visa applicants to fill out H-2A applications on paper or online, requiring a user-friendly online system, and ending burdensome requirements on advertising and prevailing practice surveys.
“The last thing our farmers need is for the federal government to make it harder for them to make ends meet,” Collins said. ,“Access to a willing and available labor force is absolutely critical for Western New York’s agriculture community"
“Immigration reform that allows for both seasonal and year-round farm labor has been a longtime priority for New York Farm Bureau. For too long, the federal H2A guest visa program has been cumbersome, prone to delays, and too rigid to fit the needs of both farmers and their employees. We thank Congresswoman Stefanik for taking the lead on the The Family Farm Relief Act that will provide real reform and address a critical issue in New York’s diverse agricultural community,” said David Fisher, New York Farm Bureau President.
source: growingproduce.com
