UnitedAg, along with several dozen other agricultural associations throughout California, have jointly signed and sent a letter sent to Governor Newsom to formally request a pause for all open public comment periods concerning both active rulemakings and non-rulemaking processes that affect the agricultural industry.
News
Department of State waives interview requirement for H-2A workers
The Department of State is taking steps to reduce delays in the processing of H-2A workers caused by the COVID-19 crisis.
Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Department of State suspended routine visa services at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates on March 20. While some returning H-2A workers were processed after that date, industry leaders were alarmed about potential delays in H-2A worker availability.
Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Mexico
This document announces the decision of the Secretary of Homeland Security to temporarily limit the travel of individuals from Mexico into the United States at land ports of entry along the United States-Mexicoborder to “essential travel” as further defined in this document.
USDA and DOL Announce Information Sharing to Assist H-2A Employers
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to help facilitate the identification of foreign and domestic workers that may be available and eligible to transfer to other U.S. agricultural sector employers to fulfill critical workforce needs within the U.S. under existing regulatory authority during the COVID-19 pandemic.
USDA Reminds Producers of Feb. 28 Deadline for Conservation Reserve Program General Signup
Davis, CA, February 25, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds agricultural producers interested in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) 2020 general signup that the deadline for enrollment is February 28, 2020. This signup is available to farmers and private landowners who are either enrolling for the first time or re-enrolling for another 10- to 15-year term.