This week, the ABIC Agricultural Council met with Representative GT Thompson, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, to discuss the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act. The proposal would expand the H-2A visa program to include year-round agricultural work and establish a legal, temporary status with work authorization for long-term undocumented agricultural workers, though it does not provide a pathway to citizenship.
During the meeting, the ABIC Agricultural Council endorsed Chairman Thompson’s legislative language and applauded him for including work permits for long-term skilled immigrant workers. The meeting followed ABIC’s efforts to convene more than 100 farmers and ranchers in support of the legislation, encouraging agricultural leaders to help secure additional original co-sponsors for the bill.
More on ABIC Agricultural Council endorsement:
“Chair Thompson continues his long record of protecting, supporting and strengthening our food system, farm businesses, ag workforce and rural communities with this common sense legislation. SAWA not only addresses the needs and necessities of the businesses, farms and ranches that continue to [be] the backbone of our economy and the essential pillar of national security but also safeguards the committed, skilled and experienced ag workforce that drives the success of America. The Congressman’s fierce advocacy for the people stewarding our lands, herds, flocks, and food value chain is an absolute that dairy farmers like me are so grateful for and has more than earned our support for The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act.”
— Jenni Tilton-Flood Flood Brothers, LLC | Chair, ABIC Agricultural Council Communications & Messaging Committee
“Working with ABIC has allowed our voice to be heard in finding solutions for America’s ag labor crisis. From hosting Congressman Flood on a farm visit to meeting face-to-face with Chairman Thompson, we have a direct line to lawmakers to push for the common sense fixes our industry desperately needs. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and the vital work ABIC does.”
— Darren Mueller, Manager, Prairieland Gold | Ohlde Family Farms | Prairieland Dairy
