WASHINGTON – The Biden administration has initiated a groundbreaking pilot program designed to remedy workforce challenges and bolster the resilience of the agricultural supply chain. This announcement allows farming employers to begin their applications for the dedicated program.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled up to $65 million in available grants for the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program, in a coordinated effort with multiple federal agencies.

The program aims to fulfill the labor needs of the agricultural sector, enhance the safety and health conditions of farm workers and facilitate the expansion of legal migration channels for workers, specifically those from Northern Central America. This initiative aligns with the Department of Labor’s seasonal H-2A Visa Program and the pledges made in the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection. It’s financially supported by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack underscores the program’s significance: “Our farmers are under competitive pressure because of the increasing workforce challenges that threaten our food system and economy. A large number of people, especially from Northern Central America, have shown interest in living and working in the United States.”

The program has been tailored with inputs from stakeholders in the realms of immigration, labor, and agriculture. It intends to offer benefits to employees and employers alike, aiding the H-2A program, raising labor conditions, and mitigating long-term agricultural workforce issues.

Vilsack further adds that by the end of the program, new methods promoting accountability and improving working conditions for both domestic and H-2A workers will have been tested. “These efforts will simultaneously allow safe migration. The pilot should become a win-win for everyone involved in the agricultural supply chain”, he stated.

The FLSP Program is seeking to advance these administration priorities:

Address current labor needs in agriculture: This program, based on relevant stakeholder input, is designed to tackle increasing challenges faced by agricultural employers in sourcing adequate workers, threatening the robustness and safety of our food supply. The pilot will help alleviate these problems by increasing the potential pool of workers and enhancing the appeal of jobs on offer.

Reduce irregular migration, including through the enlargement of regular pathways from Northern Central America: While American agricultural operations are seeking additional workers, the Biden-Harris administration is committed to promoting the expansion of regular migration pathways. The FLSP provides an opportunity to support this commitment, bringing economic benefits to foreign workers and their families, as well as to communities that contribute workers to the H-2A program.

Improve working conditions for farm workers: A stable and healthy food and agricultural sector relies on the attraction and retention of skilled agricultural workers. The pilot program will support efforts to better working conditions for both American and H-2A workers and will promote fair and transparent recruitment practices.

The 2023 FLSP grant application period closes November 28, 2023.