Spudman Today - Day 1 - 2020 - 6

6
ISSUE #1
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The National Potato Council welcomed U.S. House passage of
the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 5038) on Dec. 11.
The bill, sponsored by Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Dan Newhouse
(R-WA), and Mike Simpson (R-ID), now goes to the U.S. Senate
for consideration.
" Representatives Lofgren, Newhouse, and Simpson are commended
for reaching across party lines to create and pass a bipartisan bill
that will benefit both growers and laborers. Even during these
highly partisan times, the passage of an agricultural labor reform
bill demonstrates how Congress can work together to do what's best
for farms, families and communities " said Kam Quarles, CEO of the
National Potato Council. " The U.S. potato industry is proud to work
with our partners on Capitol Hill to promote solutions to address
American agriculture's labor crisis. As the bill moves through the
legislative process, will continue to work with the Senate and in
conference committee to improve the measure and enact long-term
labor solutions that support the health of our industry. "
" The House should be commended for taking the crucial step
of starting the legislative process to stabilize our agricultural
workforce and contribute to the future success of the U.S. potato
industry. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act seeks to enhance
www.spudman.com Tuesday, January 14, 2020
House passes Farm Workforce Modernization Act
the efficiency of the H-2A program for seasonal workers while
creating a new long-term solution for year-round agricultural
labor, including necessary strong enforcement measures, " said
NPC First Vice President of Legislative and Government Affairs
Britt Raybould of St. Anthony, Idaho.
The bill addresses three key issues in the ag labor debate,
Quarles said:
Wages
" On the specifics, it freezes the H-2A wages in the first year
and then limits their ability to rise annually. This provides
protection for H-2A employers who have been suffering with
double digit wage growth lately as the federal government's
Department of Labor currently sets the Adverse Effect Wage
Rate mandated for H-2A. "
Paperwork
" It also reduces the paperwork surrounding H-2A applications
and allows for employers to stagger the entry of those guest
workers when the work requires it. Currently, all employees
under an H-2A petition must arrive at the farm at the same time,
Booth #1017
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Spudman Today - Day 1 - 2020

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