By Clint Thompson
One group, one shared message. That is what makes a 38-group coalition, including the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), stand out. It continues its unified pursuit for a fair and reasonable adverse effect wage rate (AEWR) within the H-2A.
“There’s so much good work going on in this space by various groups across the industry, getting everybody pulling in the same direction was important. There are other coalitions out there, but by focusing solely on that AEWR and keeping that front and center, we can keep it in the public eye without having to take on the whole subject,” said GFVGA executive director Chris Butts.
The GFVGA has been a voice for Georgia growers looking for reform to the AEWR system, which has spiraled out of control in recent years. But it has built strength in numbers. The 38-group coalition consists of state farm bureaus and specialty crop organizations. It spans across eight states. But it has only one focus.
“The coalition is 100% focused on AEWR and getting a market-based rate for growers that is based on real world conditions in those communities,” Butts said. “We’re one direction, one voice on one very specific portion of, not immigration or ag labor, but solely of H-2A. We’ve been trying to eat that elephant in one bite for 30 years and it hasn’t happened. This group is focused on taking smaller bites by focusing on one area where we can bring about some change instead of trying to fix everything all at once.”
Included Groups
The coalition consists of groups like the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Georgia Watermelon Association, International Fresh Produce Association, National Council of Agricultural Employers and North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission.
In early fall, the Department of Labor released an interim final rule revising the methodology used to determine AEWR. The changes, combined with new procedural updates from the Department of Homeland Security, represent a key win for producers, mostly by implementing more market based labor expenses. There is more work to be done.
“We want to keep a focus on the pay rate because that’s where the rubber meets the road for the grower. We’ll be encouraging congress to take up the bipartisan report and recommendations for H-2A. We will focus solely on AEWR and will support legislation that can bring about certainty and a sustainable wage rate that’s good for the grower and the worker,” Butts added.