One of the many topics of discussion for farms is finding help. Many times, farmers look to guest workers to help fill their labor needs. Unfortunately, rules and regulations can make the guest worker program a sticky arena to be in. There have been repeated calls for the programs to be reworked so farmers’ employment needs aren?t at the mercy of bureaucracy. A new program has been introduced and has the blessings of the National Farmers Union (NFU).
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act has been introduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers. Supporters are saying it can streamline the hiring process for farmers. It also provides a path to citizenship for workers who have been working in the U.S. for more than two years.
Rob Larew is the Senior Vice President of Public Policy for the NFU. He says trying to find legal and qualified workers is exceedingly difficult.
Larew says workforce reform must be more than just addressing the legality of a guest workforce, it should also be fair by giving them a better path to citizenship.
Larew says the NFU supports the efforts in this legislation. He says it meets the current objectives NFU outlined at their annual convention. It can provide stability for farmers, workers, and provide a fair path to citizenship.
