NASDA Looks To Address Labor Shortage, H-2A

During their annual meeting in September, members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, better known as NASDA, voted to promote reforming the Ag workforce. The vote, according to the organization, was an effort to adjust the H-2A and H-2B visa programs to fit with the changing times in farming. While there is a lot of seasonality connected to the Ag and forestry industries, NASDA officials say the need for year-round labor continues to grow. Most labor in the agricultural sector is foreign-born, with H-2A and H-2B visas only lasting for part of the year. NASDA is now looking to change that by proposing the visas be year-round.+The group says the move would provide opportunities for immigrant workers to contribute to the U.S. agricultural economy while earning legal status through continued employment.

Manager of Public Policy Rebecca Barnette said making H-2A and H-2B visas year-round can help save growers’ time and money on training as well. The less need for training could be an important cost-cutting measure when dealing with the globe's continued supply chain disruptions.

"Given that there are a lot of workforce challenges that need to be addressed, I think we'll continue to advocate for that."

While NASDA members hope measures to alter the H-2A and H-2B visas to be more flexible make an impact, Barnette adds foreign-born ag labor demand is only part of the issue. The industry, she noted, is still trying to figure out how to get the next generation of farmers into the ag workforce.

"Most of the workforce is in the older generation. So we're trying to see what are ways to entice more of the younger generation to be able to take over the family farm or want to get into that type of workforce."

Visit NASDA's Website to learn more about the organization or to see plans for the future.

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