“New York Farm Bureau is encouraged by the swift movement on the Farm Workforce Modernization Act in the U.S. House. We appreciate the bipartisan support from many members of New York’s congressional delegation, and we now call on the U.S. Senate to support the bill as well. Access to farm labor remains a priority for our members, and this bill goes a long way towards addressing the shortage of agricultural workers that limits our farmers’ ability to plant, harvest, and care for livestock. In addition, it will include dairy farms in the federal visa program as well as address the needs of migrant workers who are already in this country. Their contributions to our food system are invaluable and should be recognized through the passage of this bill. NYFB is still advocating for some changes to improve the legislation, including to the cap on year-round guest worker visas, ensuring a fair and competitive wage rate, and establishing a workable threshold for agricultural employment. Regardless, this legislation would take a significant step to ensure that New York agriculture is positioned to have a sustainable and reliable workforce that will support our rural economy.”
-NYFB President David Fisher
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