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WASHINGTON—Congressman Paul D. Tonko voted in the House today to advance H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation that provides needed support to local farms and dairies through reforms that improve and streamline the temporary visa program and strengthen protections for agricultural workers.

“As the grandson of dairy farmers, I recognize firsthand the challenges facing New York’s family farms and dairies,” said Congressman Tonko. “Strengthening America’s seasonal guest worker program will save countless New York farms and communities that have suffered major losses year after year simply because they can’t find workers to do the job at harvest or milking time. Our dairies in particular have struggled without any guest worker program or other means to fill the labor demands of their year-round operations. I am proud to support this legislation that not only bridges the labor gap for our farms, but also adds new security and flexibility to existing programs. Once our colleagues in the Senate follow our lead and pass similar legislation, it will send a clear and welcome message to America’s farming community: help is on the way.”

“New York Farm Bureau is pleased to see the Farm Workforce Modernization Act advance and thanks Representative Tonko for his support of the legislation. The bill would provide much needed agricultural labor reforms that address the needs of farmworkers currently in New York as well as expanding the agricultural visa program to include year-round labor. This would provide more stability for farmworkers and farm employers alike, especially dairy farms, and strengthen our food system in this country,” said David Fisher, New York Farm Bureau President.

Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 1603) helps America’s farms and dairies:

• U.S. farms and dairies would be guaranteed at least half of the 60,000 year-round H-2As over the first three years
• Also reforms the broader H-2A visa program to adds flexibility for employers and workers by allowing staggered worker entry, a single application progress and certain wage reforms
• New Certified Agriculture Worker (CAW) visas would give the dairy industry—historically volatile and worsened by the COVID pandemic—access to a stable, legal workforce
• Phases in a mandatory, nationwide E-Verify process for all agricultural guest workers including guaranteed follow-up reviews for workers that are rejected incorrectly.
• Supported by more than 250 agricultural organizations including the New York Farm Bureau

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