Western Growers Celebrates H-2A Change

We are taking one bite out of a complex apple on today’s program. In recent news on the labor front, Western Growers is now reporting that the Department of Labor (DOL) has announced it will rescind a 2011 Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) FAQ that barred employers from using a single H-2A application to stagger the entry of H-2A workers as the seasonal need for labor increases.

In breaking down why this matters, Western Growers, an association that represents family farmers growing fruits, vegetables & tree nuts in AZ, CA, CO & NM, state that with the 2011 FAQ rescinded, DOL has removed the informal prohibition that forced separate filings when the only difference among positions was the start date.

According to the group’s President and CEO Dave Puglia, “Rescinding the ‘no-staggering’ rule eliminates needless cost and complexity, giving farmers the flexibility they need to meet real-world labor demand.”

Though this change clears one hurdle, Western Growers says they will continue to advocate for additional improvements to make the H-2A program more accessible to family farmers.