Securing Ag Workforce Act and Push for Prop 12 Fix in Farm Bill
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**House Ag Chair G. T. Thompson has introduced legislation aimed at expanding the H-2A agricultural guest worker program and addressing long-standing farm labor shortages.
Politico says “The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act of 2026” would broaden access to H-2A workers while allowing some undocumented workers to apply for temporary legal status if they meet eligibility requirements.
The legislation closely aligns with priorities of dairy producers and other labor-intensive ag sectors seeking year-round access.
**New York has become the first state to launch a financial assistance program specifically designed to help farmers offset losses tied to trade tariffs.
Governor Kathy Hochul (HOE-kull) announced that applications are now open for the state's $30 million Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program.
Eligible producers can receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000.
The program is available to qualifying dairy, livestock, specialty crop, and aquaculture operations.
**330 agricultural groups are urging the Senate Ag Committee to include language in their final bill to address the problems caused by California’s Proposition 12.
Ag Chair John Boozman's discussion draft does not include a Prop 12 fix.
In a letter, the farm groups asked that a provision preempting Prop. 12 be added to the Senate farm bill.
The House-approved version included such language after a similar letter was sent to House leadership.
