LEGISLATION TACKLING AG LABOR An update on progress and politics BY MATT MIKA A s the agricultural industry deals with persistent labor challenges, there are two noteworthy updates to share about the latest progress in our nation's capital. The recent release of the final report from the Agricultural Labor Working Group (ALWG) by the House Agriculture Committee marks a significant step towards addressing pressing issues. Meanwhile, party politics are at play with the recent border bill. The industry is dealing with both progress and political obstacles as we work to find better solutions for agricultural labor. AmericanHort commends the House Agriculture Committee for establishing the Agricultural Labor Working Group. - Ken Fisher, president ALWG RELEASES FINAL REPORT The ALWG was led by co-chairs Rep. Rick Crawford and Rep. Don Davis. The final report is the product of a months-long effort to identify 8 JUNE 2024 GPNMAG.COM and CEO of AmericanHort workforce challenges facing the agriculture industry and propose potential legislative solutions. AmericanHort contributed to this effort by meeting with members of Congress, staff and the committee. While the House Agriculture Committee does not have jurisdiction over labor issues, the committee knows the importance of this issue for the industry, and sent its recommendations to the appropriate committees for review. " AmericanHort commends the House Agriculture Committee for establishing the Agricultural Labor Working Group and applauds the group's efforts to improve the availability of labor through programs like H-2A, which has been a critical program for the agriculture and horticulturehttp://www.GPNMAG.COM