July 20, 2017

House Judiciary Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Ag Industry’s Labor Needs

Yesterday, the House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security held a hearing on labor and immigration issues facing the agriculture sector. In addition to several private sector panelists, Congressman David Valadao (CA-21) presented testimony before the Subcommittee. Congressman Valadao discussed issues critical to California agriculture, including the need to address the current workforce in the industry and improve the future flow to meet the needs of year-round operations.

A son of immigrants and a dairy farmer, Congressman Valadao’s testimony expressed the importance of foreign workers in an extremely labor-intensive agriculture industry, as well as their role in feeding people in this country and all over the world.

Western Growers appreciates the Subcommittee’s attention to these critical issues and Congressman Valadao’s participation as part of his efforts to bring the industry’s labor issues to the forefront. We would also like to extend our appreciation to Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (VA-6) and Ranking member John Conyers (MI-13), as well as, Raul Labrador (ID-1), Chairman of Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, Ranking Member and California Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), for holding this hearing and continuing to further the dialogue to seek solutions on this critical issue for farmers across the country.

View Congressman Valadao’s submitted testimony

For more information, contact Ken Barbic (202) 296-0191.