The Feds Must Address Ag Labor

Ag labor is a challenge for farmers and growers across the Northwest, whether it's the cost or availability of workers. The H-2A program exists to help address a lack of domestic workers, but for a variety of reasons, the program is not a good fit for all producers. Samantha Parrott, Executive Director of the Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association, said while their growers are eligible to use H-2A, it’s not often the first choice.

“It's a government program, so it's very challenging to navigate. Keep in mind, most of our farms are small family farms, they don't have a whole HR department, like a big company or anything like that, because they’re just a family farm. And so most people contract with a labor company that can help them navigate the H-2A process. It's a lot of paperwork. It's highly regulated. And so, it's complex. And the costs with the H-2A program have gone up as well.”

We Need A Stable Workforce

Parrott noted the Administration's effort to lower the Adverse Effect Wage Rate, or AEWR, does help those using the program. But H-2A, she continued is seasonal, meaning many farmers, such as livestock and dairy, can’t use the program in its current form. Parrott said changes need to take place at the federal level, noting that a stable agriculture workforce is vital.

“Right now, basically, we're importing our workforce. So, we can continue either to import our workforce, to harvest our crops, or we can start importing our food. And I don't know about you, but I don't really want to get my food from Brazil or China or countries that we don't really have strong partnerships with because they can easily withhold food.”

Parrott said most of agriculture would like to see some kind of year-round visa program. She highlighted the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which has cleared the House, but continues to be held up in the Senate.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com