United Applauds Proposed Agriculture Labor Reform

WASHINGTON, DC – United Fresh CEO Tom Stenzel, fellow industry CEOs and the United Farm Workers (UFW) voiced support of the agriculture labor provisions included in the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. The landmark legislation was introduced in the Senate today and includes provisions based on agreements made by the Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC), United Farm Workers, and key lawmakers.

“This is an important step forward in our fight to achieve meaningful immigration reform to provide a legal and stable workforce for fruit and vegetable growers,” said United CEO Tom Stenzel.

Stenzel was joined at the event by Chuck Conner, President & CEO, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives; Arturo Rodriguez, President, United Farm Workers; Tom Nassif, President & CEO, Western Growers; Jerry Kozak, President & CEO, National Milk Producers Federation; Mike Stuart, President & CEO, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; and Nancy Foster, President & CEO, US Apple Association.

Key Agricultural Labor Provisions in Immigration Reform Bill

•  Current undocumented farmworkers would be eligible to obtain legal status through a new Blue Card program if they choose to remain working in agriculture:
•   Ag workers who can document working in U.S. agriculture for a minimum of 100 workdays or 575 hours prior to December 31, 2012 can adjust to this new Blue Card status.
•    After a minimum of five years, workers who fulfill their Blue Card work requirements in U.S. agriculture will become eligible to apply for a Green Card, providing that they have no outstanding taxes, no convictions and pay a fine.
•   A new agricultural guest worker program will be established, with two work options:
•   An “At-Will” option will allow workers to enter the country to accept a specific job offer from an authorized agricultural employer, under a three-year visa. Employees will then be able to move within the country, working “at will” for any other authorized agricultural employer during that time. Employers must provide housing or a housing allowance to these workers.
•  A “Contract-Based” option will allow workers to enter the country to accept a specific contract for a specific amount of work from an authorized employer. This will also provide for a three-year visa, and require employers to provide housing or a housing allowance.
•  All guest workers will be paid an agreed-upon wage under the terms of this agreement.
•  There is a visa cap for the first five years of the program while current workers are participating in the Blue Card program. The Secretary of Agriculture has the authority to modify that cap if circumstances in agricultural labor require.
•  The new program will be administered by the Department of Agriculture.

“The introduction of this historic immigration reform bill is due in large part to the perseverance of Senators Feinstein, Rubio, Hatch, and Bennet,” noted Stenzel. “We extend our sincere appreciation for their tireless work to bring compromise to the table to shape a workable labor solution for all of American agriculture.”

United Fresh will continue to advance agriculture labor reform as part of the broader immigration reform package to ensure a stable workforce for our members and the broader fresh produce industry through grassroots efforts and continued cooperation with AWC and other stakeholders.

Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Western Regional office in Salinas, Calif., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.

Source: United Fresh Produce Association