USApple Urges Congress To Act On Agricultural Labor

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In testimony submitted to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee on February 9, U.S. Apple Association Chairman Dale Foreman strongly urged Congress to find a solution to the agricultural labor challenges currently facing apple growers throughout the U.S. The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Regional Perspectives on Agricultural Guestworker Programs. USApple was asked to provide background and examples of how current laws and regulations are having a negative impact on the domestic apple industry.

In his testimony, Foreman, an apple, pear, and cherry grower from Wenatchee, WA, noted some of the difficult situations that arose this year. “In 2011, we experienced the worst labor shortages I have ever seen. Tragically, we did not have nearly enough workers. The situation grew so dire that in early October we ran radio ads throughout our area asking for workers and offering them up to $150 per day to help us pick our apples. Even with the barrage of radio ads, we were only able to recruit three additional pickers. We needed more than 100.”

“The need for a reliable, skilled, and legal workforce in the apple industry is paramount,” noted Nancy Foster, president and CEO of USApple. “As Dale noted in his testimony, a permanent solution to these labor challenges needs to be reached. Our industry and much of the nation’s food supply are at risk if Congress doesn’t act.”

In addition to presenting the Committee with real-world examples of how the labor shortage is harming the apple industry, Foreman also described how the Government program designed to help the situation is failing. “Some in our industry have begun turning to the H-2A guestworker program, but that brings problems of its own. Apple growers in New England and New York who have utilized the program for 20, even 30 years, are having their applications rejected for the first time.”

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“USApple is an active supporter of agricultural labor reform,” added Foster. “We will continue to advocate for a solution on behalf of the apple industry and educate Members of Congress on the important role agriculture plays in our Nation’s economic health.”

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Avatar for Salvador Martinez Salvador Martinez says:

I'm of the same opinion as Mr. Foreman. We,as an industry, need to have a reliable and strong work force to do the job properly. The shortage was gerater last year and even by paying higher wages we were unable to get enough workers to get the fruit off of the trees in a reasonable amount of time. We need a permanent solution to this issue, because if there is not a promt solution to this matter we are at a greater risk of not getting the fruit harvest on time this year due to the lack of a reliable workforce.

Avatar for RICH  ESHLEMAN RICH ESHLEMAN says:

WE NEED ALL THE FARMERS TO CALL THE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AN GET A CALLING PROGRAM GOING RIGHT AWAY. WE NEED TO CALL EVERYONE NOT JUST OUR REPS. WHEN WE LOSE MORE CROP THEN LAST YEAR IT MAY BE TOO LATE. I WANT TO SEE EVERY CONGRESS PERSON AND SENATOR LISTED ALONG WITH THERE PHONE NUMBERS. WE MUST EDUCATE THE GUYS WHO ARE WRITING THE LAWS WE MUST DO IT NOW . IF WE HAVE TO TRY TO UTILIZE THE UNEMPLOYED LIKE THOSE WE HAD LAST YEAR WE WILL BE OUT OF BUSINESS.

Avatar for Joshua Fitzgerlad Joshua Fitzgerlad says:

Our family run orchard in Massachusetts has been in constant contact with Tsonga's office on this matter. It is incredible the amount of time and effort the office has put into this matter. We are a small orchard that runs a farm stand year round. It is vital to our operation and lively hood that the H-2A operation works. With out this program the 50 full time year round employes will be out a job. I am the third generation at our orchard to work with these men and the program. I can't believe the problems that have come up. With working with Tsonga's office they have become more aware of you important the industry of agriculture really is. It's not just growing and shipping fruit. This industry employees and creates more jobs then most people realize. I can only hope that the issues are resolved for this season and future ones. Thank you

[…] US Apple Urges Congress to Act on Agricultural Labor, Dale Foreman, who grows apples, pears, and cherries, in Wenatchee, WA, was quoted from his […]

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