USApple Press Releases

Senate Compromise is Important First Step for Ag Labor (May 24, 2007)
A bipartisan immigration reform measure being debated in the U.S. Senate is an important first step toward solving the labor crisis facing U.S. agriculture, according to the U.S. Apple Association. Without the reforms included in the measure, the apple industry and many other labor-intensive agricultural industries face a severe shortage of workers that will make it difficult, if not impossible, to harvest their crops. Such losses could easily signal the end of many agricultural operations across the nation and drive production offshore.

Farmers to Capitol Hill: Ag Needs Action on Immigration Reform Now (May 15, 2007)
As Congress revisits the complex issue of immigration reform, the U.S. Apple Association joined other American farmers, growers, producers and nurserymen on Capitol Hill to remind lawmakers that agriculture needs access to a legal and stable workforce. Their message is simple: the lack of a workable agricultural labor program, coupled with immigration enforcement, constitutes an absolute threat to the survival of the American farm.

USApple Chairman Kelly Henggeler's statement on the introduction of AgJOBS

USApple Praises Reintroduction of AgJOBS Legislation (January 10)
A bipartisan team in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives recently introduced legislation to reform the agricultural labor system. This move is critical for the continued survival of our nation’s apple industry, and other labor intensive agriculture. U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Larry Craig (R-CA), Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) along with Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA) announced the introduction of the AgJOBS legislation in both Houses of Congress. The legislation, which is identical to the provisions that passed the Senate last year as part of the larger immigration package, will ensure labor intensive agriculture has access to a stable, legal and predictable supply of skilled labor.

Former USApple Chairman Phil Glaize's statement on AgJOBS (May 15, 2007)