IRVINE, CALIF. (Dec. 22, 2022) – Following news that the Affordable and Secure Food Act will not be included in the omnibus spending bill, Western Growers President & CEO Dave Puglia issued the following statement: 

“The Senate has missed another crucial opportunity to resolve the farm labor and food production crisis facing this country. Since 2015, our dependence on imported fruits and vegetables has increased by more than 50 percent and is on track to exceed another 12 percent this year. Without a stable, legal agricultural workforce, our nation will become increasingly dependent on imported food.

“We are proud to have joined with Sen. Michael Bennet, legislators on both sides of the aisle in the House and most of our agricultural industry partners in bringing forward a carefully negotiated and balanced farm labor solution.”

About Western Growers:

Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers’ members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. Connect and learn more about Western Growers on Twitter and Facebook. 

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