The National Potato Council (NPC) yesterday welcomed U.S. House passage of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 5038). The bill, sponsored by Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), and Mike Simpson (R-ID), now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
“Representatives Lofgren, Newhouse, and Simpson are commended for reaching across party lines to create and pass a bipartisan bill that will benefit both growers and laborers. Even during these highly partisan times, the passage of an agricultural labor reform bill demonstrates how Congress can work together to do what’s best for farms, families, and communities” said Kam Quarles, CEO of the NPC. “The U.S. potato industry is proud to work with our partners on Capitol Hill to promote solutions to address American agriculture’s labor crisis. As the bill moves through the legislative process, will continue to work with the Senate and in conference committee to improve the measure and enact long-term labor solutions that support the health of our industry.”
“The House should be commended for taking the crucial step of starting the legislative process to stabilize our agricultural workforce and contribute to the future success of the U.S. potato industry. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act seeks to enhance the efficiency of the H-2A program for seasonal workers while creating a new long-term solution for year-round agricultural labor, including necessary strong enforcement measures,” said NPC first vice president of legislative and government affairs Britt Raybould of St. Anthony, Idaho.
The National Potato Council represents the interests of U.S. potato growers on federal legislative, regulatory, environmental, and trade issues. The value of U.S. potato production is over $3.7 billion annually and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs both directly and indirectly. NPC is a member of the Agricultural Workforce Coalition that speaks for American agriculture on labor reform legislation.