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LAS VEGAS — Election-year politics will present a big challenge to reform efforts for H-2A regulations, but growers must be prepared to lobby for changes in the increasingly important farm labor program.

Growers and industry leaders are praising the Trump administration’s plan to overhaul the H-2A guest worker program, changing the way wages are determined and streamlining other parts.

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.

A two-year study of the Equitable Food Initiative’s workforce development program found benefits to both companies and employees.

Seeking wage relief for U.S. growers using foreign guest workers, the National Council of Agricultural Employers still wants the U.S. Department of Labor to determine if U.S. workers are hurt by the H-2A program.

Though unlikely to get much support from Democrats, a bill from Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla.), aims to establish a year-round ag guest-worker program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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.

The first session of Stronger Together U.S.’s responsible recruitment webinar series explores how to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.