Some farmers say that reforming H-2A could be a solution to the ag labor crisis.
According to NASDA’s Senior Director of Public Policy, RJ Karney, “The ag labor discussion has been consistently one of the top, if not the top priority, amongst all of agriculture industry for the past decade, two decades. If we do not fix H-2A— we don’t have H-2A reform there’s going to be economic impact. There could be supply chain impact, as well as, what we’re really focused on here is broadening H-2A reform for those industries that currently aren’t able to participate in H-2A. Specifically, we’re thinking of the livestock industry, the dairy industry that need year-round workers, not just seasonal workers.”
Karney referred to this issue a “political hot potato” calling it a difficult vote. However, he says that he is encouraged that if policy cannot be changed, there are state departments looking to take action in other ways.
“So many of our state Departments of Agriculture right now are looking for grants within their own land grant systems, opportunities for young individuals who are interested in agriculture could be the mechanics, could be with regards to technology,” he adds. “We also have opportunities for growth in smaller markets.”
While those opportunities are not permanent solutions, Karney says that NASDA is eager to work with the new administration in getting today’s ag labor issues resolved.