Bipartisan AG Labor Group Announced

House AG Committee chair Glenn “GT” Thompson and ranking member David Scott announced the the formation of the Agricultural Labor Working Group, with the goal of addressing the lack of labor in the agriculture industry across the country.  This issue was worsened by COVID-19, and has caused delays to every part of the agriculture industry.  From harvesting, packing, unloading, to stocking goods on the shelf, a lack of labor is non-discriminate and equally effects all parts of the Supply and Cold Chain.  While labor policy is not technically in the jurisdiction of the AG committee, Chairman Thompson explained how they have a responsibility to be the voice of ranchers and farmers around the country and solve this labor crisis with real legislative action.  The first goals laid out by the group are to seek support and information from stakeholders, emphasize the H-2A visa program for nonimmigrant agricultural workers, and produce interim and final reports about the visa program’s shortcomings and provide policy recommendations.