The USDA has allocated $50 million through the Agricultural Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program to help farms, ranches and contractors recruit and retain farmworkers. This initiative is critical to increasing the agricultural workforce, particularly by promoting legal opportunities for workers from northern Central America – Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.
According to the USDA, 60% of grant recipients intend to use the H-2A visa program to hire workers from the region, addressing both labor shortages and illegal immigration. The grants aim to improve working conditions through benefits such as paid sick and holiday leave, collaborative problem-solving task forces, and comprehensive training on worker rights and employment practices.
The USDA initiative highlights a significant step toward strengthening the stability and quality of America’s agricultural workforce. By investing in employee benefits and retention strategies, these grants not only keep farms running but also help build a sustainable food supply chain. Ensuring fair treatment and opportunity for farmworkers is essential to maintaining agricultural productivity and rural economies across the country.
