By Jamie Martin
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has called on President Donald Trump and congressional leaders to take immediate action on agricultural labor reform. The organization is encouraging bipartisan cooperation to address workforce shortages that continue to create challenges for American farmers and ranchers.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall believes that stabilizing the agricultural workforce is necessary to protect food production and ensure that American families have access to a reliable food supply.
He welcomed recent comments from President Trump and lawmakers showing renewed interest in immigration reform. According to Duvall, farmers and ranchers are prepared to work with government leaders to develop practical policies that meet the needs of American agriculture.
The organization believes that agricultural labor reform should be treated as an important national issue because farms depend on workers to maintain production and supply food to consumers. President Trump has recently spoken about the need to reconsider certain immigration policies and explore possible solutions.
During an appearance on CBS's 60 Minutes, Trump expressed interest in developing an immigration agreement that considers the contributions of people who have established their lives and careers in the United States. He noted that some immigrants working in industries such as landscaping and hospitality have contributed through employment and, in certain cases, tax payments.
The president acknowledged that some people believe these workers should have an opportunity to remain in the country. He suggested that an agreement could be possible if lawmakers worked together to find a suitable approach. His comments have encouraged further discussion about immigration reform, particularly in industries that depend on workers from different backgrounds.
For the agricultural sector, these discussions are important because many farms depend on both domestic and foreign workers to complete essential operations. Farmers across the United States need sufficient workers to manage their daily activities and maintain production schedules.
Agricultural work often involves time-sensitive responsibilities. Planting, harvesting and other farm activities must be completed within specific periods to protect crop quality and productivity. When farms cannot find enough workers, operations may face delays, higher costs and difficulties meeting market requirements.
President Trump previously recognized these concerns in June 2025. While speaking to reporters, he expressed reservations about removing agricultural workers from farms when producers depend on their services. The following day, he posted a message on Truth Social stating that farmers must be protected.
These remarks brought additional attention to the relationship between immigration enforcement and the agricultural workforce. Farm Bureau believes that long-term agricultural stability requires policies that recognize the importance of workers while addressing the concerns of farmers and ranchers.
One proposed solution is the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act, also known as the SAWA Act. The legislation was introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chair GT Thompson. It aims to improve the H-2A agricultural guest worker program and address some of the difficulties experienced by agricultural employers.
The H-2A program provides a legal process through which eligible agricultural employers can hire temporary foreign workers when sufficient domestic workers are unavailable. Although the program supports many farming operations, agricultural employers have raised concerns about its structure, workforce limitations and changing wage requirements.
The SAWA Act proposes two major improvements.
- Year-round workforce access: The legislation seeks to expand access to workers throughout the year. This could benefit agricultural businesses that require consistent labor rather than relying only on traditional seasonal employment.
- More predictable wage rates: The proposal also aims to reduce unexpected changes in wage requirements. Greater predictability could help farmers prepare budgets, estimate operating expenses, and make better business decisions.
These proposed changes are intended to create a more practical agricultural labor system. The legislation also draws on recommendations from Farm Bureau members who participated in the House Agriculture Committee's Agricultural Labor Working Group. Their input helped identify workforce-related challenges and possible improvements to existing agricultural labor policies.
Duvall believes that the current political environment provides an opportunity for meaningful cooperation between Democrats and Republicans. He has encouraged congressional leaders to focus on agricultural workforce reform without waiting for the next congressional session.
According to Farm Bureau, labor shortages are already affecting the agricultural industry, making timely action important. The organization believes that the SAWA Act provides lawmakers with a starting point for addressing several longstanding concerns.
Duvall has also emphasized that farmers and ranchers are willing to work with both the president and Congress to find solutions that support agricultural production. He believes that cooperation across political parties can help develop policies that benefit agricultural employers, workers and consumers.
A reliable agricultural workforce is essential to maintaining a strong food production system. Farm workers support important activities throughout the growing and harvesting seasons, helping ensure that agricultural products reach consumers. Workforce challenges can create difficulties for producers and may affect their ability to plan and manage farm operations.
Farm Bureau believes that improving immigration and agricultural labor policies can help reduce these challenges. The organization is therefore urging lawmakers to give greater attention to workforce reform and consider the proposed SAWA legislation as part of the solution.
As discussions about immigration policy continue, American farmers and ranchers are looking for practical decisions that recognize the importance of agricultural workers. A bipartisan agreement could provide greater workforce stability, support agricultural businesses and help protect the future of America's food supply.
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Categories: National