ARCHIVE: Congressman David Valadao (CA22) holds press conference at Almond Girl Orchard on October 22, 2024. (Photo: Natalie Willis/Valley Ag Voice)

By Natalie Willis, Reporter, Valley Ag Voice 

As the 119th Congress settles in, the Central Valley’s elected representatives are navigating the issues and policies affecting the state’s agriculture industry. According to Congressman David Valadao who represents California’s 22nd district, labor shortages remain a top concern for Central Valley farmers.  

“That’s the one that I hear the most about, is people looking for and trying to find enough employees to harvest their crops or to work on their farms,” Valadao said. 

AG LABOR REFORM 

The shortage impacts both production levels and food security, as unharvested crops lead to increased prices and supply chain disruptions. One solution that lawmakers have proposed is to reform the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program. 

“There’s a lot of agriculture that does not have a legal option for labor,” Valadao said.  

Valadao initially co-sponsored the Farm Workforce Modernization Act when it was introduced in the 116th Congress. The legislation was subsequently reintroduced in the 117th and 118th Congresses, and according to Rep. Dan Newhouse — another original cosponsor — another reintroduction is anticipated in the 119th Congress.  

The Farm Workforce Modernization Act aims to establish a program for agricultural workers in the U.S. — along with their spouses and minor children — to earn legal status through continued agricultural employment and contribution to the U.S. agricultural economy.  

Another goal of the Act is to reform the H-2A program to provide more flexibility to employers, such as extending it to be year-round. Valadao explained that H-2A reform is a key issue going into 2025.  

Alongside labor reform and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, there are additional initiatives being pursued in Congress to address the agricultural labor shortage. Valadao noted that, in addition to the Act, he has co-sponsored complementary legislation such as the Dignity Act introduced by Marina Salazar of Florida.  

“But for agriculture specifically, the Farm Worker Modernization is the centerpiece. Things that we’ve done in appropriations are things that would be helpful, but they would just be helpful in the current law,” Valadao said. “Farm Workforce Modernization is probably the one that has the most actual impact.” 

The Act passed off of the House floor in previous Congresses with bipartisan support but failed to move through the Senate. 

PATH FORWARD 

According to Valadao, there haven’t been programs that work effectively for ag labor in decades. 

The U.S. has struggled for decades to implement effective agricultural labor programs, particularly since the Bracero Program ended in the 1960s. Current laws have created a system where many workers are trapped, unable to return home and support their families as originally intended.  

As such, Valadao expressed the need for pathways like the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.  

“I think that’s something that is important, especially when we as a nation have failed to have laws that worked for these folks,” Valadao said. “And it shouldn’t be looked at as just an amnesty-type program, but it’s something that could actually help remedy the situation that was created here because of our need for them and our lack of laws that work for them.”  

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