U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) on Jan. 18 led six of his Republican colleagues in introducing legislation that seeks to address the high labor costs facing farmers in Michigan and across the country.
Rep. Moolenaar sponsored the Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024, H.R. 7046, which would freeze the wage rate for migrant farm workers — known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) — at the level established in 2023 until the end of 2025, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s staff.
“Michigan farmers grow and raise food for Michigan residents and people around the world. My legislation ensures they will continue to have a reliable workforce and can make ends meet while growing the food we need,” Rep. Moolenaar said. “I am proud to introduce the Supporting Farm Operations Act and will continue my work to advocate for the more than 11,000 farmers living in Michigan’s Second District.”
Specifically, H.R. 7046 would modify the implementation of the AEWR for H–2A non-immigrants, says the text of the bill, and would require the U.S. Labor Secretary to utilize a primary duties evaluation for such employees who may be performing more than one duty or task.
Original cosponsors of H.R. 7046 include U.S. Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Frank Lucas (R-OK), and Bill Huizenga (R-MI).
The measure has garnered support from the Michigan Farm Bureau, the American Farm Bureau, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the International Fresh Produce Association, and the U.S. Apple Association.