GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – The American Dairy Coalition, which serves as the voice of progressive, modern farmers in the nation; recently held their 2-day event on Capitol Hill March 22-23. The event focused on moving forward a new immigration reform policy in which the federal government approves a process for states to issue visas to secure a reliable labor force for the industry. Our nation’s dairy, livestock, and agriculture producers face relentless labor shortages as they struggle to fill well paying positions that seemingly only appeal to foreign workers. Without the certainty of a reliable and stable workforce, the industry cannot continue to grow at a rate that keeps up with the demands of our growing global population.
The American Dairy Coalition provided an opportunity for dairy producers to meet dignitaries and explain why the federally approved State-Based Visa Program will assist employers as they seek out the labor they depend on, and provide certainty for positions already filled by hardworking, law abiding foreigners. Attendee’s had an opportunity to discuss the State-Based Visa Program with Alex Nowrasteh of the Cato Institute, and offer their critiques which greatly aids ADC as we continue to finalize the verbiage of this new policy. Attendees also enjoyed a Q&A session with the Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus, discussing the current state of the Republican Party and the upcoming presidential primaries, as well as addresses from Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee Representative Mike Conaway (R-TX), former Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK), Grant Colvin Senate Agriculture Committee, Staff for Senator Debbie Stabenow(D-MI) and Wayne Stoskopf, Senate Agriculture Committee, Majority Staff for Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) who are at the heart of the GMO Labeling Law debate. Attendees also had private meetings with Members of Congress and Staff on Capitol Hill.
About the American Dairy Coalition
The American Dairy Coalition is the united voice for American dairy, livestock and agricultural producers and their supply chain. We are committed to growth and expansion of the industry through federal dairy policy and growing worldwide demand for American products. Our priorities are focused on policy that ensures a reliable workforce through a new program that satisfies all of us- the US government; the states; the people; and the economy. This will provide a reliable and stable workforce for the dairy, livestock and agriculture operations and their supply chain while protecting business investments, and creating greater certainty for development by reducing EPA over burdensome regulations; growing access to global markets; innovation and protecting the well-being of livestock animals. The American Dairy Coalition is led by Laurie Fischer, previous Executive Director of the Dairy Business Association, who now, using ADC as her vehicle, sets her sights toward creating rapid, results oriented change in policy on Capitol Hill.
Source: American Dairy Coalition