State Departments Reversal On H-2A Applications Good News For Ag, AFBF Says

Last week, the U.S. State Department announced a commitment to processing H-2A applications to ensure an agriculture workforce by expanding the interview waiver. American Farm Bureau Federation Congressional Relations Director Allison Crittenden said this change expands the pool for farmers.

“Typically, folks coming through the H-2A program would have to go into the Consulate for an interview. These workers don’t have to take that step in order to help the Consulate maintain their efforts to have social distancing. They’ve expanded this now to new workers, as well as returning workers, to visas that have expired in the last 48 months.”

With so many questions because of coronavirus, Crittenden said these changes are vital to ensure the country’s food supply remains intact. She added farmers, right now, are focused on keeping their workforce healthy.

“Farmers are ensuring that workers know about all the CDC guidelines. They are providing extra sanitary equipment, taking steps to rearrange housing when possible for social distancing," Crittenden noted. "Farmers are really taking steps to be proactive to prevent any spread of the coronavirus on their farms as well as making sure workers are educated about their own steps that they can take to ensure their own health.”

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