Florida’s 10% increase in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) prompted some of the state’s agricultural organizations to send a letter to Florida’s congressional delegation imploring the need for labor reform.
Florida’s AEWR increase is the largest in the country and will rise to $16.23.
“While we have long advocated for significant reforms to the H-2A program, to include stabilizing the H-2A minimum wage, specialty crop growers across the country are beset yet again with a volatile spike in this artificial and self-inflating wage,” the letter read. “This increase also happens to occur in the middle of Florida’s production season. With prices already set, growers have no recourse but to absorb these unexpected increases. No other industry in the state is subject to such volatility even with Florida’s steady minimum wage increases. Florida agriculture cannot continue to sustain these drastic cost increases without intervention.”
The letter was signed by the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association; Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association; Florida Cattlemen’s Association; Florida Citrus Mutual; and Florida Strawberry Growers Association.
According to the letter, Florida’s AEWR has increased by almost 40% since 2020 and nearly 60% over the past decade.
“Given the design of the H-2A program, relief must come from Congress,” the letter added. “The Florida agricultural industry respectfully calls on the Florida delegation to lead the initiative to finally pass needed agricultural labor reform and establish a wage mechanism that is stable for growers and fair to farm workers.
“We stand ready to discuss the solutions and help you get them across the finish line.”
Click here to read the letter.