Ag Wage Reform Coalition supports ag workforce legislation

Washington DC; June 12, 2026 – The Ag Wage Reform Coalition today announced its support for the introduction of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA), legislation introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson to modernize and strengthen the nation’s agricultural workforce system.

Representing agricultural organizations, specialty crop producers, and farm employers across multiple states and commodities, the coalition believes the legislation addresses many of the workforce challenges that have threatened the long-term viability of domestic fruit, vegetable, horticulture, nursery, and other labor-intensive agricultural sectors.

For years, growers have faced escalating labor costs, workforce shortages, administrative delays, and increasing uncertainty surrounding the H-2A program. SAWA provides meaningful reforms designed to improve workforce access, create greater wage stability, streamline administration, and ensure American agriculture remains competitive in a global marketplace.

“This legislation represents one of the most comprehensive efforts in decades to modernize agricultural workforce policy,” said Chris Butts, Coalition Spokesperson and Executive Director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. “It reflects many of the recommendations developed through extensive stakeholder discussions and addresses real-world challenges faced by specialty crop producers every day.”

Among the many provisions supported by the coalition are:

• Expanded access for more workforce availability to meet the year-round needs of today’s diverse agricultural operations that extend beyond traditional seasonal production cycles.
• Streamlined application, certification, and hiring processes designed to reduce bureaucratic delays and improve workforce reliability.
• Creation of a single online portal to simplify interactions between employers and federal agencies.
• Multi-year labor certifications and housing inspections that reduce unnecessary administrative burdens.
• Wage reforms that provide greater predictability and stability while continuing to protect workers.
• Clarification of agricultural labor eligibility to better reflect the diversity of modern agriculture.

The coalition notes that workforce challenges remain among the greatest threats to domestic specialty crop production. Without meaningful reform, rising labor costs, labor shortages, and regulatory uncertainty will continue to force production offshore, increase reliance on imported food, and place additional pressure on family farms and rural communities.

“America’s growers are competing in a global marketplace while producing food under some of the highest labor, environmental, and food safety standards in the world,” said Michelle Grainger, Executive Director of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission. “A stable, predictable workforce system is essential to maintaining domestic food production, preserving rural jobs, and strengthening our nation’s food security.”

The coalition also highlighted that many provisions included in the legislation align closely with recommendations previously advanced through the Agricultural Labor Working Group, demonstrating broad stakeholder support for modernization of the agricultural workforce system.

As Congress begins consideration of the legislation, the coalition encourages lawmakers from both parties to work toward practical solutions that support farmers, farmworkers, consumers, and the long-term sustainability of American agriculture.

ABOUT THE AG WAGE REFORM COALITION
The Ag Wage Reform Coalition represents 36 organizations across 9 states, spanning 25+ agricultural commodities and more than $1 trillion in annual economic impact. Coalition members include national associations, state advocacy organizations, and grower groups united around advancing fair, transparent, and sustainable agricultural wage reform that supports workers, farmers, and U.S. food security. Additional background, data, and policy resources are available at:
https://agwagereform.com/

Contact:
Melinda Goodman
FullTilt Marketing
melinda@fulltiltmarketing.net
414-469-5524