East Michigan News

Congressman John Moolenaar has introduced the Supporting Farm Operations Act (H.R. 7046), a bill aimed at addressing the high labor costs faced by Michigan farmers. The legislation seeks to freeze the wage rate for migrant farm workers, known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), at the level established in 2023 until the end of 2025. The wage requirements for these employees are determined by the Department of Labor.

Moolenaar stated, "Michigan farmers grow and raise food for Michigan residents and people around the world. My legislation ensures they will continue to have a reliable workforce and can make ends meet while growing the food we need. I am proud to introduce the Supporting Farm Operations Act and will continue my work to advocate for the more than 11,000 farmers living in Michigan's Second District."

The Michigan Farm Bureau has expressed support for the legislation, with John Kran, National Legislative Counsel, stating, "Michigan farmers who rely on seasonal guest workers need a stable and predictable wage structure to be able to keep supplying consumers with a safe and affordable food supply that's grown on our soil. We applaud Congressman Moolenaar and his colleagues for introducing commonsense legislation that allows for a pause while Congress comes up with a long-term solution. Michigan farmers are counting on Congress to act swiftly and provide some much-needed relief."

The American Farm Bureau Federation also commended the bill, with John Walt Boatright, Director of Government Affairs, stating, "Rep. Moolenaar's bill offers the short-term stability and reforms that today's challenges require. It's a step in the right direction to creating a wage standard that benefits farmers and employees alike. Along with this effort, AFBF will continue to press Congress on the full reforms that deliver certainty and parity to farmers who produce food for America's families."

The legislation has gained support from the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, with Chuck Conner, President and CEO, commenting, "This bill will help provide farmers, ranchers, and growers utilizing the H-2A visa program with needed wage certainty and stability as they head into the planting season. It is also important to note that it would clarify how primary job duties are determined and would more accurately reflect the realities of on-farm work, where pitching in on multiple tasks as needed is often the norm."

Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association, emphasized the impact of labor costs on the fresh produce industry and expressed support for Moolenaar's legislation, stating, "Out-of-control labor costs are already dampening domestic fresh produce production, so we know that additional increases would have a devastating impact on the entire supply chain. Congressman Moolenaar's common-sense legislation freezes AEWR increases for two years, giving immediate relief and enough certainty for our industry to perform while Congress works on broader reforms that will bring stability to our labor force and long-term food security for our nation."

Jim Bair, President and CEO of the U.S. Apple Association, also voiced support for the bill, urging all members of Congress to back the legislation. He stated, "On behalf of our growers across the nation, the U.S. Apple Association thanks Representative Moolenaar for understanding their predicament and taking this action. We call on all Members of Congress to support this effort. Bringing stability and common sense to the H-2A program will be the only way family farms can keep pace with the costs and regulatory burdens they face in producing America's favorite fruit."

The Department of Labor recently increased Michigan's AEWR to $18.50 per hour, the fourth highest in the nation. In response, Moolenaar's legislation seeks to freeze the wage rate for the next two years, providing relief to Michigan farmers.

The Supporting Farm Operations Act has garnered support from several other representatives, including Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Frank Lucas (R-OK), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Lisa McClain (R-MI), and Tim Walberg (R-MI).

The text of the Supporting Farm Operations Act can be found on the official website.