The U.S. Department of Labor’s resumption of the processing of H-2A applications amid the government shutdown is a win for domestic growers who utilize the system for a reliable labor force.
Last week’s decision was welcomed by Southeast fruit and vegetable organizations who advocate for their respective growers, including the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) and Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.
FFVA Director of Labor Relations Jamie Fussell discussed the process of convincing DOL to resume H-2A processing at a critical time for Florida growers.
GFVGA Executive Director Chris Butts talked about the impact on his growers as well.
The Southeast continues to utilize a substantial amount of H-2A workers, as evidenced by 2024 statistics. Florida, the largest employer of H-2A labor, accounted for 47,396 positions or 12.3% of all certified positions. Florida’s 2024 mark is still a huge increase from the 39,064 positions certified in 2020.
Georgia increased its certified positions to 43,436, making it the second-largest employer of H-2A labor. North Carolina is the fifth-largest employer with 27,532 certified positions. The Southeast, which comprises Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, recorded 52,686 certified positions in 2024. That’s an increase from 47,199 in 2023.
The FFVA recently submitted a letter to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget regarding the ongoing government shutdown and the dangers of a pause in H-2A labor certification processing. The letter added that between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, Florida represents nearly one-third of all H-2A certifications nationwide. If the U.S. Department of Labor did not resume the certification process, 40% of Florida’s annual H-2A workforce was in danger of not arriving in time for harvest.