GFVGA Praises Proposed Legislation That Modernizes H-2A Program

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson’s (PA-15), attempt at modernizing the H-2A program has at least one specialty crop organization in his corner. The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) praised Thompson, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, for the draft legislation, which included improvements that make the program more predictable and flexible for farmers. The bill, “Securing Agriculture’s …

FFVA, GFVGA, Ag Groups Plead for Action With Current H-2A Challenges

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson A group of agricultural organizations, including the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) and Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), recently sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The letter focused on the current challenges with H-2A consular processing and what can be done to remedy the situation. “The H-2A program remains encumbered …

GFVGA Roundtable Discussion: Pleas Made for Permanent Change to AEWR

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) helped host a roundtable discussion with legislators in Washington D.C. on Feb. 24. The issue, which was discussed among members with the Ag Wage Reform Coalition, centered on the H-2A program, specifically the adverse effect wage rate (AEWR). Sam Watson, president of the GFVGA, recapped the meeting and the …

GFVGA Issues Letter to USTR

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) submitted a letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) amid the USMCA review. It highlighted the continued surge of imported fruits and vegetables into the U.S. “We encourage you to consider any trade policies that will protect U.S. fruit and vegetable growers from unfair foreign competitors, …

Former GFVGA Executive Director Charles Hall Passes Away

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

Charles Hall, the former executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), passed away on Monday, Jan. 20. He was 74. Hall has been instrumental in helping the GFVGA host one of the premier regional trade shows in the country every January during the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. He will be forever missed by those …

GFVGA Executive Vice President: Labor Expenses Have Put Farmers in a Box

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Labor expenses remain the most significant barrier to Georgia specialty crop producers staying sustainable. At the current rate, the state’s fruit and vegetable growers are losing ground on sustainability. Georgia specialty crop producers have incurred a 31% increase in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) over the past three years. The $16.08 growers are paying for AEWR …

GFVGA Eager to Tell Its Story to New Administration

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is eager to work with the President-Elect Donald Trump and his administration. Though this will mark Trump’s second term as president, his administration will look much differently. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, discussed his organization’s mindset when working with newly appointed leaders …

Stats Don’t Lie: GFVGA Executive Director Explains Need for Assistance with Imports

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Labor

By Clint Thompson Statistics support claims by industry experts that imports are negatively impacting fresh fruits and vegetables being produced across the Southeast. It’s why Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), has been adamant that legislative help is needed and why the Protecting Our Produce Act would be a good first step for …

GFVGA Conveys Farm Bill Importance to Legislative Leaders During Recent Meeting

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson A recent meeting with members of Georgia’s legislative delegation allowed the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association an opportunity to convey its continued insistence that a farm bill be passed sooner rather than later. Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), discussed the meeting’s importance and why growers need a farm …

Storm Aftermath: GFVGA Executive Director Discusses Hurricane Helene Impacts

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) does not have a full scope on the damage left by Hurricane Helene last week. But it knows it was devastating and widespread. Fall crops were in the ground. Blueberry bushes were vulnerable and so were citrus and pecan trees. Chris Butts, executive director of the GFVGA, talked about …