Cook County Policies Added to American Farm Bureau Federation Policy Book
During the delegate meeting in January in Anaheim, California, 333 delegates, including 11 from Illinois, discussed the need for a reliable agricultural workforce.
Two H-2A proposals submitted by Cook Farm Bureau through Illinois Farm Bureau were approved, including streamlining the H-2A application process by using electronic application filing and lengthening the term of stay for H-2A workers.
New policy language also includes support for production agriculture employers to hire and retain H-2A guest workers on a contract with a three-year duration, utilizing staggered entry and exit dates to maintain compliance with an annual “touchback” (or “return to home”) requirement.
Delegates also supported the elimination of the adverse effect wage rate.
Cook County Farm Bureau has a successful track record of elevating local member voices to the national level through its grassroots policy process. Prior successes include policy on food waste, urban agriculture, and community-supported agriculture. Members are encouraged to bring forth issues impacting their farms.