Responding to industry need, WG develops coverage tailored to H-2A Temporary Ag Labor Program
IRVINE, Calif. (October 17, 2017) – Responding to the significant increase in H-2A usage throughout the agricultural industry, Western Growers has created new insurance options for employers who use the temporary ag labor program. The H-2A temporary ag program allows agricultural employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers to bring nonimmigrant foreign workers into the United States for temporary or seasonal agricultural work. The new insurance solution covers risks specifically associated with the use of the H-2A program.
“Western Growers is one of the few organizations who offers a tailored insurance solution that reduces exposure to losses that can result from utilizing the H-2A program,” said Jeff Gullickson, senior vice president of Western Growers Insurance Services, the wholly-owned insurance brokerage of Western Growers. “After noticing a rapid increase in H-2A use and a lack of insurance packages that cover potential program exposures, we combined our expertise in H-2A and workers’ compensation to offer this niche product.”
The U.S. Department of Labor recently reported that there has been a 15 percent increase in the number of H-2A applications received, compared to the same time last year. In California alone, the number of jobs certified rose from 2,600 in 2006 to over 11,000 in 2016. The number of certified positions in 2017 is expected to top 15,000.
For the past decade, Western Growers (WG) has offered farming operations assistance and step-by-step consultation in obtaining a workforce through the H-2A program. WG representatives fully understand all the risks involved in utilizing the H-2A program, as they are continually advising members on how to stay compliant with H-2A regulations such as providing transportation, housing and meals for their workers. Now, WG has taken that ag labor expertise to develop a product catered to mitigating the major exposures of the H-2A program.
About Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Our members and their workers provide half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. For generations we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on our Twitter and Facebook.
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