WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) urged Congress to modify the existing H-2A visa program to more adequately meet the needs of the mushroom and dairy industries, both of which have a large presence in Pennsylvania, specifically in Chester and Berks counties. Currently, the H-2A visas are offered on a seasonal basis, which makes it difficult for year-long agricultural industries, like those of mushrooms and dairy, to maintain the labor force they need.

“In the Pennsylvania 6th Congressional district, most of our agricultural industry and crops are year-round, rather than seasonal,” said Houlahan. “Simply put, the current system of employment-based visas isn’t meeting the needs of our local economy, and we aren’t doing enough to take care of workers. We are home to the ‘Mushroom Capital of the World’ and many, many dairy farms as well, but workforce challenges and increasing global competition is crippling our growers, and by extension, local businesses as well. I have also heard from people in our community who are advocating for living wages, good working conditions, and health care for our farmworkers. We need an immigration system that both reflects our country’s values and supports our economic growth. Congress must reform this program to better serve both employers and employees. Our agriculture industry, and by extension the American people who are nourished by the food from our Pennsylvania farms, cannot wait.”

“Securing access to a stable future supply of guest workers is a top legislative priority for U.S. dairy farmers,” said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation. “We commend Rep. Houlahan for prioritizing dairy’s unique needs during ongoing conversations on ag labor legislation, and we look forward to continuing to work with her to ensure that ag labor policy allows dairy farmers to hire year-round guest workers.”

“Pennsylvania's $1.1 billion mushroom industry faces a significant labor shortage,” said American Mushroom Institute President Rachel Roberts. “Currently, mushroom growers are unable to participate in the H-2A visa program because mushrooms are not defined as a seasonal crop. Changes in the H-2A program that would allow mushroom growers to participate in it would be a positive first step in addressing their labor issue. We applaud Representative Houlahan on her efforts and look forward to working with her to find a comprehensive solution.”

Full text of Chrissy's letter can be found here. 

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She’s in her first term representing Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Small Business Committee.

 

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