NFU Reacts to Farm Workforce Modernization Act

On Wednesday, Central Washington’s Dan Newhouse and a host of other lawmakers introduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.  Supporters of the legislation say it will streamline the hiring process for farmers, and provide a path to citizenship for workers who have been in the U.S. for at least two years.

The National Farmers Union applauded the legislation, and has already called on Congress to approve it.  NFU’s Rob Larew said nationwide, it has become exceedingly difficult to find legal, qualified workers.

“Without a workforce, farmers aren’t able to complete day-to-day work, forcing some to simply leave unharvested crops to rot in the field. This threatens both the viability of American farms as well as consumers’ access to affordable, domestically produced food.

Larew added the U.S. doesn’t just need a legal and adequate workforce, but also one that is fair.

“A large number of farmworkers are immigrants, a population that has historically been underserved and overlooked. These hardworking individuals who help us put food on our tables deserve greater protections and a pathway to citizenship.”

Larew said not only does NFU support the bipartisan legislation, it meets goals outlined during the NFU’s Convention back in March to “stabilize the current agricultural workforce” through a “flexible, efficient, and compassionate agricultural worker visa program.”

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