With California farms facing labor shortages, grocers experiencing empty shelves because of logistical bottlenecks, and many of the state's up to one million farmworkers lacking access to health care, Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) today introduced legislation to protect the health, safety, and economic security of agricultural workers and prevent disruptions to the nation’s food supply.
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Congressman Panetta Leads 108 Members in Calling on USDA to Provide Direct Support to Specialty Crop Producers
Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), along with Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI-06), Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA-16) and Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01) led 108 members of the House of Representatives in sending a bipartisan letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue calling for the Administration to provide direct support to specialty crop producers the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is implemented.
California Agricultural Associations Send Joint Letter to Gov. Newsom
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.
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.
