Last week, Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue spoke positively about changes the Department of Labor will make to modernize the H-2A process.  The Labor Department published a final, common-sense rule that becomes effective October 21, and eliminates the requirement to advertise job openings in local newspapers.  Instead, it shifts the advertising to the Department of Labor and State Workforce Agency websites, which reach farther and are more cost-effective.  The DOL’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification announced updates to the H-2-A forms and online filing process for the H-2A temporary agricultural programs.

 

Perdue says the two actions will ease regulatory burdens on U.S. farmers and ranchers, making it easier for them to follow the law and hire farmworkers through the program.  “Both of these changes are absolutely critical and needed to improve the H-2A application process,” Perdue said. “By bringing these processes into the 21st century, it allows farmers to be able to better and more cost-effectively advertise for the workers they need and fill out the required forms faster and more efficiently.”

 

He added that no one should have to hire a lawyer just to hire a farmworker. The DOL’s final rule is designed to reduce burdens on American farmers and ranchers.

 

 

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