Jan 12, 2007

AgJOBS Act ReintroducedSource: ANLA

A bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives recently announced the reintroduction of the Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefit and Security Act of 2007, or AgJOBS. The legislation intends to provide for a more stable, secure, safe and legal U.S. agricultural work force and food supply. It was heralded at a press conference led by Senators Larry Craig (R-ID) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Representatives George Radanovich (R-CA) and Howard Berman (D-CA).

The Congressional leaders described past efforts to address the worsening farm labor crisis affecting fruit and vegetable, dairy, nursery and greenhouse, and other producers. They emphasized that 2007 is a year in which legislative success can be achieved.

Two growers joined reform champions in Congress in calling for the swift passage of AgJOBS. Toni Scully, Lake County, Calif., described last year’s devastating losses of a pear crop. “Pears are an expensive crop to raise. A farmer gambles with weather, market conditions and government regulations,” said Scully. Third-generation Idaho grower Kelly Henggeler echoed Scully’s call for Congress to act. “I can tell you that this is not just an Idaho problem or a Northwest problem. It is a national problem,” Henggeler said.