The Internationalist Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) both voiced support for the Securing Agriculture Workforce Act, aimed modernizing the H-2A temporary ag workers program.
“The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act represents the most significant reform to the ag workforce we’ve seen in decades,” said NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud. “It is particularly critical for dairy farmers, who have been effectively shut out of the nation’s primary legal agricultural guest worker program.”
The bill was introduced by Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Penn.), who chairs the House Ag Committee. Both organizations praised his leadership with the bill.
“Dairy farms and processors alike operate year-round and need access to a reliable workforce. Modernizing the H-2A program to meet the workforce needs of year-round dairy farm operations moves the needle in the right direction by strengthening the dairy supply chain,” said IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes. ” Although dairy processors also need reforms that offer workforce support, the Securing Agriculture Workforce Act better positions all of U.S. dairy to ensure families continue to have access to nutritious dairy products. IDFA thanks Chairman Thompson for his leadership in introducing this important legislation.”
“I applaud Chairman Thompson and the other original co-sponsors for introducing this bill. Chairman Thompson, thank you for leading the way, as you so often have to the most important issues facing agriculture. NMPF will rally its advocates across dairy and all of agriculture to support this bill, and it stands ready to help build momentum in the House, secure a Senate companion bill, and ultimately get this legislation to the president’s desk.”
