Industry racing as time running out for AgJOBS
Industry racing as time running out for AgJOBS
WASHINGTON -- In a last-ditch effort to shine a light on the issue before Congress returns home to campaign, Sens. Larry Craig (R-ID) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) urged the Republican leadership not to pass tough border enforcement legislation without responding to farmers reeling from farm labor shortages and crop losses.
In a Sept. 22 letter to Republican Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN), the two senators recounted the impact that stepped-up border controls was having on the agriculture industry in California and other states, and urged the leaders not to ignore agriculture.
California's harvesting crews are down 10-20 percent, which represents about 70,000 fewer workers, and shortages abound for citrus in Florida, apples in New Hampshire, strawberries in Washington and cherries in Oregon, they said.
"We urge you to support our efforts to get AgJobs added to the border fence legislation and help American farmers get the assistance they need to bring their crops to market," said the Sept. 22 letter.
"There is simply no reason AgJobs has not been enacted, and no reason it could not be passed now."
The two senators pushed for Senate-passed legislation, known as AgJobs, that would create a pilot program to allow certain agricultural workers to legalize their immigration status in the United States while fixing the H2A visa program so farmers needing new temporary workers can bring them into this country through legal channels.
AgJobs advocates had hoped to attach an amendment to legislation that would fence a portion of the U.S.-Mexico border and allow state and local police to enforce immigration law. It was unclear at press time whether Republicans would bring the measure up for vote.
"These senators truly understand the produce industry's need for a stable guest worker program," said Robert Guenther, senior vice president of public policy of the United Fresh Produce Association. "We truly appreciate the support they have made toward a comprehensive approach for immigration reform."
Produce trade associations have been using grassroots alerts to mobilize members during the last few weeks.
The measure was later withdrawn, leading advocates to set sights on the post-election lame duck session when Congress returns.
AgJobs advocate Craig Regelbrugge, senior government relations director for the American Nursery & Landscape Association, said that there are obstacles but many feel agriculture is in the best position of any industry to convince Congress for the need for workforce changes.
"Growers must approach their elected leaders during October, while they are out canvassing for votes," said Mr. Regelbrugge, who co-chairs the Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform.
"Now is the time to candidly ask them, 'Will you support enactment of a sensible and comprehensive immigration reform package for Agriculture, like AgJobs, in the lame-duck Congress?' It's time for accountability, not more excuses," Mr. Regelbrugge added.
Action after the November elections will depend on two factors, he said. One factor is time constraints as so much of the legislative agenda has been postponed until after the elections. The other factor is whether the House or Senate will change party leadership. If that happens, there may be little incentive to take up the immigration bills.
In the meantime, the Produce Marketing Association has added immigration reform to its upcoming Fresh Summit program. The Oct. 22 session, "Immigration Reform: What You Need to Know. What You Need to Do," is designed to provide practical tips and ideas on how to become an effective advocate.
Mr. Regelbrugge is moderating the workshop, along with speakers Luawanna Hallstrom, co-chair of the Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform and chief operations officer-general manager of Oceanside Produce; Maureen Torrey Marshall, vice president of Torrey Farms; Anthony Barbieri, director of produce of Acme Markets Inc. and Stephanie Vance of AdVanced Consulting/ Advocacy Guru.
PMA will be looking to gather stories from those who have been affected by labor shortages, said Lee Mannering of the association.
In a Sept. 22 letter to Republican Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN), the two senators recounted the impact that stepped-up border controls was having on the agriculture industry in California and other states, and urged the leaders not to ignore agriculture.
California's harvesting crews are down 10-20 percent, which represents about 70,000 fewer workers, and shortages abound for citrus in Florida, apples in New Hampshire, strawberries in Washington and cherries in Oregon, they said.
"We urge you to support our efforts to get AgJobs added to the border fence legislation and help American farmers get the assistance they need to bring their crops to market," said the Sept. 22 letter.
"There is simply no reason AgJobs has not been enacted, and no reason it could not be passed now."
The two senators pushed for Senate-passed legislation, known as AgJobs, that would create a pilot program to allow certain agricultural workers to legalize their immigration status in the United States while fixing the H2A visa program so farmers needing new temporary workers can bring them into this country through legal channels.
AgJobs advocates had hoped to attach an amendment to legislation that would fence a portion of the U.S.-Mexico border and allow state and local police to enforce immigration law. It was unclear at press time whether Republicans would bring the measure up for vote.
"These senators truly understand the produce industry's need for a stable guest worker program," said Robert Guenther, senior vice president of public policy of the United Fresh Produce Association. "We truly appreciate the support they have made toward a comprehensive approach for immigration reform."
Produce trade associations have been using grassroots alerts to mobilize members during the last few weeks.
The measure was later withdrawn, leading advocates to set sights on the post-election lame duck session when Congress returns.
AgJobs advocate Craig Regelbrugge, senior government relations director for the American Nursery & Landscape Association, said that there are obstacles but many feel agriculture is in the best position of any industry to convince Congress for the need for workforce changes.
"Growers must approach their elected leaders during October, while they are out canvassing for votes," said Mr. Regelbrugge, who co-chairs the Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform.
"Now is the time to candidly ask them, 'Will you support enactment of a sensible and comprehensive immigration reform package for Agriculture, like AgJobs, in the lame-duck Congress?' It's time for accountability, not more excuses," Mr. Regelbrugge added.
Action after the November elections will depend on two factors, he said. One factor is time constraints as so much of the legislative agenda has been postponed until after the elections. The other factor is whether the House or Senate will change party leadership. If that happens, there may be little incentive to take up the immigration bills.
In the meantime, the Produce Marketing Association has added immigration reform to its upcoming Fresh Summit program. The Oct. 22 session, "Immigration Reform: What You Need to Know. What You Need to Do," is designed to provide practical tips and ideas on how to become an effective advocate.
Mr. Regelbrugge is moderating the workshop, along with speakers Luawanna Hallstrom, co-chair of the Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform and chief operations officer-general manager of Oceanside Produce; Maureen Torrey Marshall, vice president of Torrey Farms; Anthony Barbieri, director of produce of Acme Markets Inc. and Stephanie Vance of AdVanced Consulting/ Advocacy Guru.
PMA will be looking to gather stories from those who have been affected by labor shortages, said Lee Mannering of the association.
