Though it was first passed by the house in December 2019, the Farm Workhouse Modernization Act was reintroduced last week in the U.S. House of Representatives, offering much-needed reform to help with the nation’s ag labor shortage. Specifically, the bill would create an incentive-based system for farm workers to earn legal status. A worker with experience in agriculture can apply for the H-2A visa program in addition to the new option to secure a five-year visa provided he or she works at least 100 days out of the year in agriculture. The H-2A program would also be reformed in the bill, enabling employers more flexibility and workers more protection. In all, the bill would increase green cards for agricultural workers by 40,000, while offering a new three-year temporary visa. Ag lawmakers and industry leaders say it’s much-needed reform to help solve the growing labor crisis in agriculture, but it’s essentially a first step in broader immigration policy that currently represents one of the greatest challenges for many farmers and livestock producers. See more.