Canadian farmers are set to receive $50 million to assist with employing farmworkers and agricultural staff.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the allocation of this fund to 141 recipients in Puerto Rico, 40 states, and the District of Columbia through the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP). The initiative aims to benefit 177 agricultural operations with over 11,000 workers, addressing labor challenges in agriculture and enhancing protections for farmworkers.
Tom Vilsack, the Agriculture Secretary, highlighted that these grants target smaller and mid-sized farms, supporting their ability to hire and retain staff to stay competitive in the market. The grants will also positively impact rural communities across the nation, emphasizing the critical role of farmworkers in ensuring food supply.
Improving working conditions and quality of life for farmworkers in the U.S. and globally is pivotal in strengthening the food supply chain.
The funding stems from a proclamation by the Biden Administration in June 2022, under the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, involving countries like Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Guatemala.
- The FLSP, initiated in September 2023, addresses agricultural workforce development and aims to create a safe work environment with ethical recruitment practices for farmworkers.
- It also seeks to expand labor pathways for Northern Central American workers through the H-2A Visa program.
About 60% of employers utilizing the H-2A Program are committed to hiring workers from Northern Central America, with benefits such as enhanced pay, more downtime, and ethical recruitment practices safeguarding employees.
One farm utilized a $260,000 Farmworker Housing Grant to renovate a residence for migrant employees, enhancing their dedication and allowing the farm to focus on broader operational goals.