Page 2 - H 2a News Today

Proposed changes to the H-2A Visa program, from the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security, could make life much more challenging for growers across the country.

The proposed alterations to the H-2A Visa program by the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security may present significant hurdles for growers nationwide.

Agri-Pulse is a trusted source in Washington, D.C., with the largest editorial team focused on food, fuel, fiber and farm policy coverage. Agri-Pulse presents a balanced perspective on a wide variety of issues.

Farmers and ranchers would like to see increased crop insurance subsidies and commodity price supports in the new farm bill, and a strong majority support cutting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, according to an exclusive Agri-Pulse producer poll.

On to New Hampshire. Former President Donald Trump was the runaway winner of the Iowa Republican caucuses yesterday evening, demonstrating he maintains a strong hold on Republicans in that state and in rural areas particularly. 

USDA research shows climate change may increase the insect population posing a threat to specialty crops, and new data shows H-2A usage reached new highs in fiscal year 2023 despite an increase in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate.

Rep. Austin Scott, the Georgia Republican who chairs the House Agriculture subcommittee that oversees commodity programs, says it’s time to split the farm bill.

Farmers who intend to use H-2A workers in 2024 will have to offer pay raises of up to 7%, according to an American Farm Bureau Federation analysis of the USDA farm labor report on which the wage rates are based.

The USDA says farmers who hire H-2A laborers next year will be paying higher wages, and in some cases, the increase is large.

In 2024, farmers in 31 states will pay between 50 cents and $1 more.