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USDA pilot to tackle ag labor issues

The USDA has created a new pilot program to help agricultural employers overcome workforce challenges.

National Council of Agricultural Employers President Michael Marsh tells Brownfield he expects funds to offset transportation costs related to the H-2A guest worker program.

“And mitigate some of that cost differential between a bus ticket, bringing a worker perhaps from Mexico, which provides most of the H-2A workers in the U.S., and workers coming in from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador,” he explains.

The Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program will award $65 million in grants to address labor shortages, improve farmworker conditions, and support legal migration.  Grants will range between $25,000 to $2 million and be awarded over the next two production seasons.

Marshall says the pilot is a result of the 2020 Summit of the Americas and efforts to encourage circular migration.

“At that time, there was a huge influx of migrants from the countries of Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala following two successive, devastating hurricanes,” he shares.

He says impacted migrants could participate in the H-2A program and return to their homes with an infusion of capital to rebuild communities.

USDA says funds can be used for hiring and onboarding workers including fees related to H-2A participation, housing costs, and contractor or consultant fees.