International Fresh Produce Association Calls on Senate to Pass Farm Workforce Modernization Act; Cathy Burns Discusses
WASHINGTON, DC - Standing firm in its support of the fresh produce supply chain, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) joined Congressional representatives and agriculture industry leaders to demand Senate action on immigration reform. Together, they are calling for the passage of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which could help bolster farm labor and lower food costs.
“IFPA members tell us that, given how difficult the current H2A process is, labor shortages are now the norm rather than the exception,” said Cathy Burns, IFPA Chief Executive Officer. “A lack of skilled farm labor causes a ripple effect in the supply chain, resulting in fewer options and higher prices for restaurant operators, supermarkets, schools, and everyday Americans.”
Burns joined U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson and Dan Newhouse along with the National Council for Food Cooperatives, U.S. Apple, and more at a press conference led by the American Business Immigration Coalition Action to call for the passage of the act, a release explained.
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act was passed in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2021 with bipartisan support. Now sitting before the Senate, Senators Mike Crapo and Mike Bennet have begun negotiating improvements on the House’s solutions and are moving the process along.
As the industry faces labor shortages, passing new Senate legislation can be crucial. The bill would provide legal status to the current agricultural workforce and reform the current federal agriculture guest worker program H-2A.
“Immigration reform is the single most important action that can be taken to give relief to Americans struggling to fight unprecedented food inflation and provide healthy food choices for their families,” added Burns. “The cost of inaction is far too high. No one can afford to wait any longer.”
IFPA members will be in Washington, DC, for its Washington Conference from September 26–28, where they will meet with congressional leaders to make a case for immigration reform and other issues.
As more updates become available, AndNowUKnow will report the latest.
