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UPDATED: The U.S. and Guatemala are pursuing a program to boost H-2A workers from that country, in an effort to stem what the Department of Homeland Security calls irregular migration patterns.

NEW YORK — Some of the state’s fresh produce industry leaders say the proposed New York Farm Laborer Fair Labor Practices Act will hurt the agricultural industry, but they are relieved for a bit of compromise.

Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue is scheduled to speak at the United Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Conference.

Apple growers from across the country participated in the U.S. Apple Association’s Capitol Hill Day, meeting with more than 100 legislative offices on trade, labor and farm bill issues.

Both wages and the number of farm labor workers are up compared with a year ago.

(UPDATED, Nov. 21) Bipartisan farmworker immigration legislation has cleared its first hurdle, passing by voice vote in the House Judiciary Committee Nov. 20.

The National Potato Council will host a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on Feb 26 to urge the U.S. Senate to take up legislation to solve the agricultural labor crisis.

Equitable Food Initiative has created a free responsible recruitment scorecard, available in English and Spanish.

Drawing broad bipartisan and industry support, House lawmakers on Oct. 30 introduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.

Beyond adding new companies to the program and a big influx of financial support, the Equitable Food Initiative has made a difference in 2019, the organization’s leaders believe.