AmericanHort advocacy campaigns focus on H-2A reform, farm bill and grower aid

AmericanHort currently has three Voter Voice campaigns asking horticulture industry members to contact Congress about H-2A reform, the farm bill and proposed financial assistance for specialty crop growers.

The newest campaign focuses on H.R. 9535, the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA), introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson, R-Pa. The bipartisan legislation would make changes to the H-2A program, which horticulture and specialty crop businesses use to meet workforce needs. AmericanHort is asking members to contact lawmakers as the bill moves through Congress.

A second campaign centers on the farm bill. The House passed a bipartisan farm bill April 30 that includes provisions addressing specialty crop research, pest and disease programs, block grants, disaster assistance for tree and nursery growers, and support for innovation. AmericanHort is asking industry members to urge senators to advance and pass the legislation.

The third campaign concerns a proposed $15 billion aid package for specialty crop growers. AmericanHort said the package could provide assistance to specialty crop operations, including ornamental horticulture, and is asking Congress to ensure specialty crops have access to the aid.

All three campaigns are available through AmericanHort’s Voter Voice advocacy platform.