Senators Introduce Bill Aimed at Stabilizing Farm Labor Costs

U.S. Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina and several Republican colleagues have introduced legislation aimed at stabilizing agricultural labor costs and providing greater certainty for farmers. The proposal, known as the Farmworker Access and Retention Modernization, or FARM, Stability Act, would codify recent U.S. Department of Labor changes to how wages are calculated under the H-2A program.

Supporters say the measure would help producers better predict labor expenses amid rising costs. The bill includes a two-tiered wage system based on worker experience and seeks to standardize annual wage adjustments, while accounting for employer-provided housing.

“Codifying the Department of Labor’s recent updates to the AEWR would help clarify and stabilize wages in the H-2A agricultural labor program," said Idaho senator Mike Crapo.  "A clear, consistent wage standard protects agricultural employers from uncertainty in year-to-year rule changes, helping both our workforce and our farmers, and keeping food on Americans’ tables."

Backers, including Senators Tim Scott of South Carolina and John Boozman of Arkansas, say the legislation would provide stability for farms facing volatile labor expenses. Farm groups have expressed support, while broader debate over agricultural labor policy continues as Congress considers updates to federal farm programs.

Click Here to read the FARM Stability Act in its entirety.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com