The USDA has suspended payments under its $50 million Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot (FLSP) Program, leaving grant recipients in uncertainty just months after awards were announced.
The FLSP was launched to help agricultural employers improve labor standards, increase worker retention and transition to more stable employment models such as H-2A. More than 140 employers nationwide received grants, with many already beginning work on funded projects.
On March 28, 2025, USDA notified recipients that all payments and reimbursements were on hold pending a review to ensure compliance with federal grant rules. While grants have not been rescinded, the pause leaves employers unsure whether to proceed with planned investments.
Very few Western Growers members applied for a FLSP grant due to concerns about the increased requirements under the program and uncertainty about which entities would be selected as “labor rights trainers.” NCAE, which Western Growers is a member, is actively engaging USDA to seek clarity and push for a prompt resolution. In the meantime, grantees should:
- Document all FLSP-related expenses, and
- Avoid new financial commitments if grant dependent.
Contact the Western Growers H-2A Services team at [email protected] for questions about the H-2A program or to explore exclusive Western Growers H-2A Service membership benefits.
