H-2A Fees Nixed Pt 1

H-2A Fees Nixed Pt 1

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
With today's Fruit Grower Report, I'm Bob Larson. Paying twice to take part in the H-2A program is something farmers won't have to worry about this time around.

Representative Bruce Chandler says the House Appropriations Committee amended SB 5438 to remove the unnecessary fees from the H-2A bill ...

CHANDLER ... "Last night we passed the H-2A labor bill which was Curtis King's amendment to the bill in the Senate and we got that through the committee and so I believe that it was almost a unanimous vote and so I think that that bill is going to through in a pretty timely fashion."

Chandler sponsored the committee amendment ...

CHANDLER ... "I also believe the amendment has been improved by retaining a working group among all the parties engaged in agricultural labor. This, I believe, will ensure that all those that are most focused on the issue have ready access to timely information and have an opportunity to have their voice heard in the process of creating the workplace of the future."

Appropriations Committee Chair, Democrat Timm Ormsby was all for it ...

ORMSBY ... "I agree with everything Representative Chandler said, including the fact that the federal government has abdicated its responsibilities in what is a very sensitive subject involving immigrant labor in this country, particularly as it involves our crops."

Ormsby says federal officials should be lobbied to fund the U.S. Department of Labor program, which requires the state Employment Security Department to verify a shortage of American workers and inspect working conditions.

Listen tomorrow for more on this important amendment that cuts the H-2A fees.

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BL: Welcome back to another "Fruit Bites" brought to you by Valent U.S.A. With us again is Valent's Allison Walston. And this week Allison, let's have an organic fruit update.

AW: Whether you buy organic or conventional fruit & produce, it is ALWAYS best to wash it especially if you don't peel it. From E.coli to Listeria to pesticide residues, I have started assuming that anything at anytime can be found on produce from groceries to farmers markets.

BL: So even a quick rinse under the faucet is enough?

AW: It's definitely better than nothing. Rinsing, wiping or soaking in an apple cider vinegar, warm water mixture will greatly reduce the contaminants.

BL: I keep a colander by the sink and give everything a nice rinse before I cook with the vegetables or fruit!

AW: And just because something is labeled organic, be just as cautious and rinse that too! Be extra rinse-y on berries, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries & pears.

BL: Well, thanks Allison. Join us again next time for Fruit Bites, brought to you by Valent. Until then, I'm Bob Larson.

https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php

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