The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) applauds House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson for introducing the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, legislation that takes meaningful steps to modernize the H-2A program and align it with the labor realities facing today’s apple growers. 

This legislation recognizes that growers need a workforce program that is predictable, practical, and economically sustainable. By codifying the current wage methodology, streamlining program administration, and expanding H-2A eligibility to packing facilities, the bill delivers meaningful advances for labor-intensive specialty crops.

“Chairman Thompson has consistently been willing to tackle one of agriculture’s toughest challenges: the labor crisis,” said Jim Bair, President and CEO of USApple. “We’re grateful for his leadership, along with the bipartisan support of this bill’s cosponsors.”

USApple and members of the association attended today’s bill introduction event and look forward to working with Congress to help move these long-overdue reforms across the finish line.