Ag groups support introduction of bipartisan ag labor act 

On June 30, 2026, U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) introduced H.R. 9535, the bipartisan “Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026,” which makes improvements to the accessibility and cost of agricultural labor through the H-2A visa program. 

“It’s time to bring the H-2A program into the 21st century,” Thompson said. “Producers have been sounding the alarm for years that Congress needs to address the workforce crisis we have on our hands in farm country. The H-2A visa program is woefully outdated, and it no longer meets the needs of American agricultural production.” 

“For years, specialty crop growers have faced mounting workforce shortages that threaten the availability and affordability of fresh fruits and vegetables across the country,” said the International Fresh Produce Association BB #:378962, in a statement.  

“A reliable agricultural workforce that gives growers using H-2A more certainty and expands access to more sectors of agriculture is essential to keeping the produce industry strong and ensuring Americans can continue to put healthy food on the table. 

“We appreciate Chairman Thompson’s continued leadership in recognizing the urgent need for long-term solutions that reflect the realities of modern agriculture.    

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) BB #:145473 said in statement that the “legislation takes meaningful steps to modernize the H-2A program and align it with the labor realities facing today’s apple growers.” 

“Chairman Thompson has consistently been willing to tackle one of agriculture’s toughest challenges: the labor crisis,” said Jim Bair, President and CEO of USApple. “We’re grateful for his leadership, along with the bipartisan support of this bill’s cosponsors.” 

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association BB #:153753 said in a statement, “As the nation’s largest user of the H-2A program, Florida agriculture has long called for reforms that improve access to a legal, reliable workforce and stabilize program costs. Chairman GT Thompson’s Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act meets that urgent need. 

“We are grateful for his leadership on this issue and his commitment to advancing practical solutions for growers, and we commend members of Florida’s Congressional Delegation, including Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL) and Rep. María Salazar (R-FL), for cosponsoring this legislation.” 

“The lack of available labor is among the largest limiting factors of American agriculture,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall.  

“Most Americans don’t want to work on farms. In fact, only 182 domestic applications were submitted for nearly 415,000 advertised positions in 2025. If Americans won’t apply for these jobs, we have no other choice but to depend on the H-2A program. Unfortunately, the current guest worker program is inadequate to meet the demands on farms across the country.” 

More than 400 agricultural groups support the legislation.