immigration reform

The conversation about ag labor and immigration reform has become very loud in 2025, and many are trying to make sure their voice isn't lost in the shuffle.

Whether in the state capital or in D.C., lawmakers are often talking about issues that will directly or indirectly impact the farming community.  And with more and more people disconnected from agriculture, it’s becoming even more important for farmers to speak up and tell their stories.  Central Washi...

“This bill is kind of a marker, it starts the discussion and I'm hoping that we can make some needed updates to it before final passage,” said Representative Dan Newhouse, after he and California’s Zoe Lofgren reintroduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act on Wednesday.  He said  reintroducing th...

Conversations about the Farm Bill have been, in many ways, put on the back burner in Washington D.C.  Attention has focused more on tariffs, ag labor and immigration reform.  But Michelle Hennings, Executive Director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers says its vital that lawmakers focus on passing an update Farm Bill as soon as possible.  She noted not onl...

On Thursday, President Trump suggested a new program will be set up to help legalize farmworkers and reduce the risk of farmers losing undocumented workers to mass deportations.  Trump discussed easing restrictions around undocumented farm labor during a Cabinet meeting last week.  It was ...

On Wednesday, central Washington’s Dan Newhouse was one of several lawmakers that spoke during a press conference put on the by American Business Immigration Coalition.  The event stressed the importance of “common-sense” reforms to the H-2A program as well as the importance of a strong agriculture workforce.  Newhouse said without imm...

Oregon berry farmers will start hiring for summer in just a few months, but some worry new federal immigration policies will lead to a labor shortage.  Narendra Varma grows a variety of vegetables and berries at his Sherwood farm and said it’s always a challenge to ramp up hiring ahead of summer.  But this seas...

In a last-minute effort to get H-2A reform finished before Congress adjourns, lawmakers have introduced a new bill.  Colorado senator Michael Bennet, and central Washington representative Dan Newhouse, introduced the Affordable and Secure Food Act Thursday.  Th...

A poll of voters commissioned by the International Dairy Foods Association shows strong support for reforming immigration policy as a way to help control food prices.  Almost 90% of Democrat voters, and 79% of Republican voters support the idea of immigration reform.  Wh...

U.S. produce growers require a lot of labor, but they face a labor crisis in getting enough workers in the field and the packing houses.  Little Bear Produce, a grower-packer-shipper from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, grows various food crops.  Br...