The Department of Agriculture has announced a plan to invest up to $65 million in a pilot program that will strengthen the food supply chain, improve the migration process, and ameliorate working conditions for farmer workers.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of farmworkers to the U.S.’s food supply and security, while also revealing the challenges of labor instability, migration issues, and the need for increased labor protections, according to the USDA.
To address the challenges, the pilot program will utilize American Rescue Plan funds to support agricultural employers in implementing health and safety standards that promote a positive work environment for both U.S. workers and workers hired from Northern Central American countries under the H-2A visa program.
To improve the resiliency of the food and agriculture supply chain and advance Biden Administration priorities, the following will be sought in the program:
• U.S. economic recovery and safeguard of domestic food security driven by addressing labor shortages in agriculture.
• Expansion of legal pathways for migrant workers.
• Farmworker working condition improvements.
USDA will allow stakeholder engagement as the program develops, and will partner with the United Farm Workers of America through a technical assistance cooperative agreement. The USDA intends to launch a full pilot program before the 2023 growing season.
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