Perdue Reacts to H2-A Proposal

It's an ongoing discussion in the Ag and non-ag community, how to reform the H2-A program.  On Monday, the department of labor proposed rules to modernize the guest worker program, such as streamlining and simplifying the application process; as well as various regulations within the H2-A program.

Ag Secretary, Sonny Perdue, was in California when the proposal was announced.

"We've been working with the Department of Labor for over a year now and trying to help the H2-A program become more workable. Actually it's been very onerous, very inflexible, and very difficult for these growers to comply with all the rules and regulations. You had to tell them in what day a worker is gonna be needed. Fruit may be ready two weeks early or two weeks late, and you're left with people either not having work to do, or hanging around waiting for something to happen."

The Secretary added that USDA's Farmers Website will have H2-A applications available sent to both the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security.

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