RILEY INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP UPSTATE DAIRY FARMERS AND APPLE GROWERS ADDRESS CRITICAL LABOR SHORTAGES

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) introduced the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act, bipartisan legislation to reform the H-2A visa program to better meet the needs of dairy farmers and apple growers in Upstate New York.

The bill removes the "seasonal" requirement for H-2A visas, allowing agricultural sectors that produce year-round, like dairy, to hire workers on contracts lasting up to 350 days. It also expands H-2A eligibility to horticulture, ensuring that apple growers have access to the labor force they need.

"Upstate dairy farmers and apple growers have been telling Washington the same thing for years: the system isn't working," said Riley. "This bipartisan bill cuts through the bureaucracy, strengthens protections for farmworkers, and gives our farmers a fair shot at finding the workforce they need to keep feeding our families."

Key reforms in the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act include:

• Stipulating that H-2A visas are for performing agricultural labor or services of a temporary nature only, removing the requirement that it also be seasonal.
• Clarifying that "temporary" is in relation to the length of the job contract (a maximum of 350 days), rather than the underlying nature of the work being performed.
• Ensuring that additional activities, such as horticulture, forestry, and aquaculture, would be eligible for the program.

The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act is endorsed by the American Farm Bureau, the New York Farm Bureau, the National Milk Producers Federation, the U.S. Apple Association, the National Council of Farmer Co-Ops, the Northeast Dairy Producers Association, and more.

"New York Farm Bureau commends Representative Josh Riley, who is an original cosponsor of Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act (SAWA). Rep. Riley has demonstrated leadership by supporting this legislation from the very beginning. His understanding of the complex issues facing the agricultural community, and his continuous bipartisanship approach to fixing these issues, is commendable. His early support underscores the importance of this legislation and builds the momentum needed to advance meaningful change," said New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher.

"The economics of dairy farming are complex. We work in a competitive global market, can't control the price we're paid for the milk we produce, and one of our biggest challenges is maintaining enough of a steady, skilled workforce," said Northeast Dairy Producers Association Chair and Dairy Farmer AJ Wormuth. "Food security is national security, and ensuring a future for the next generation of farmers is a priority for many of our members. We appreciate Rep. Riley recognizing there's a shortage of workers willing to work in agriculture and reaching across the aisle to support the sustainability of producers in NY and across the country. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for employees working on our family dairy farms; however, the SAWA is an important step forward as we continue identifying ways to build upon progress that's been made."

"One of the greatest hurdles our family dairy farm faces each year is finding skilled employees. Once they join our team, they're committed long-term. Retention has not typically been the issue. It's finding team members who want to work in agriculture and care for the land, the animals, and each other," said Kurt Hanehan, Northeast Dairy Producers Association Director and dairy farmer in Mount Upton, NY. "Rep. Riley has met with dairy farms, listened to the needs of producers as we navigate unpredictable milk prices and rising input costs that are out of our control, and he has advocated for change. SAWA is progress, and we look forward to continuing to work together to ensure all farms have the workforce needed to continue producing milk and dairy products for generations to come."

"As a dairy farmer in the Hudson Valley, it is very encouraging to see packages like those introduced today by House Ag Committee Chairman, GT Thompson. Clearly, Josh Riley is trying to find ways to build bridges towards better policy for family farms that rely on workable labor solutions that protect farmers and farm workers. It would be easy for Congress to simply say 'it's too hard,' but I appreciate Josh's pragmatic approach trying to find solutions," said Eric Ooms, the owner of A. Ooms & Sons Dairy in Valatie, NY.

"As one of the country's leading apple-producing states, New York depends on a workforce that growers can count on. We appreciate Congressman Riley's commitment to advancing practical solutions that will help growers remain competitive and continue farming for generations to come," said U.S. Apple Association President and CEO Jim Bair.

"The Fix family Farm is a fifth-generation apple and stone fruit producer, and we would like to thank Congressman Riley for working with GT Thompson to address the H-2A program. Anything that can be done to improve or streamline this program is beneficial to New York State farmers. Our farm utilizes this program and it is essential for us to stay in business. We appreciate the efforts of Congressman Riley to help improve H-2A," said Bob and Linda Fix, owners of Fix Brothers Fruit Farm in Hudson, NY.

"A reliable workforce is essential to ensuring the next generation, like me, can continue New York's multi-generational apple orchards. We're grateful Rep. Riley is putting New York farms first and working across the aisle to advance meaningful H-2A reform," said Kristen DeMarree, a New York apple grower and Vice Chair of the New York Apple Association.

"We applaud Rep. Riley and the bipartisan support for Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act (SAWA). Congress is long overdue for addressing agriculture's labor issues that remain the greatest threat to specialty crop economic viability," said Brian Nicholson, the third-generation owner of Red Jacket Orchards in Geneva, NY.

You can find text of the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act HERE.

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