Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is an original cosponsor of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide reform to the agricultural guest worker program and establish a merit-based visa program specifically designed for the agricultural sector.

A Madrid dairy farmer who is also president of the state farm bureau says he supports the measure.

“New York Farm Bureau has long made immigration reform a priority, believing in a commonsense approach to improve labor issues for our farms and employees. We appreciate Congresswoman Stefanik’s efforts to address this very important issue and her support for the bi-partisan legislative process. We are advocating for a pathway forward to fix the system that will benefit agriculture and our country's food system,” said David Fisher, president of New York Farm Bureau, who owns and operates a farm in Madrid.

“North Country farmers have long advocated for a stable, reliable workforce to address their labor needs, and I have supported reforms to our broken H-2A system since my first term in Congress. I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan bill once again – we need legislation that modernizes our agriculture labor program and provides clarity for our agricultural workforce.” said Congresswoman Stefanik.

According to Stefanik’s office, the bill would:

• Establish a mandatory, nationwide E-Verify system for all agricultural employment with a structured phase-in and guaranteed due process for authorized workers

• Reform the H-2A program to provide more flexibility for farmers and agricultural employers, while ensuring critical protections for workers.

• Provide access to the H-2A program for industries with year-round labor needs, including dairy

• Establish a program for agricultural workers in the United States to earn legal status through continued agricultural employment and a dedicated contribution to the agricultural economy

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