CRAE calls for reintroduction of AgJOBS
May 2009
CRAE members joined in a plea to Senator Dianne Feinstein and Congressman Sam Farr to support the passage of the Agricultural Jobs, Opportunities and Benefits Act (AgJOBS). AgJOBS, a bill that been in negotiation for a decade, would pilot the legalization of a segment of the population of undocumented agricultural workers and reform the H-2A guest worker program. Coincidentally, the legislation was reintroduced by Senator Feinstein the following day. CRAE will continue to work for the passage of AgJOBS this session.
CRAE hosts bus tour and seminar on ag labor issues
October 2008
CRAE hosted a day-long session on ag labor issues to build understanding among its diverse constituents on issues facing the agricultural labor force and to identify opportunities for common action. Several migrant workers joined CRAE to share their experience as guest workers. Participants visited three sites, including a Farmington Fresh apple packing plant, Harney Lane Migrant Center, and Taganelli Farm to experience first-hand some of the issues and solutions being put into practice. CRAE members and guests then had an opportunity to discuss the various issues at hand, from migrant housing to workplace health and safety to legal issues, and move toward a common vision for a healthy future for California agricultural labor. Special thanks to CRLAF, San Joaquin RCD, the Catholic Diocese, US EPA and NRCS for making this important event happen.
CRAE supports H-2A comment extension
April 2008
Members of the California Roundtable on Ag and the Environment have called for a 45 day extension for the comment period for pubic input to the proposed rules for the 2008 H-2A Temporary Foreign Agricultural Worker Program.
The H-2A program is an important part of the agricultural labor force in California and Roundtable members sought additional time to offer suggested improvements to the proposed rules.
Senator Feinstein leads the way with AgJOBS
November 2007
CRAE members applauded Senator Dianne Feinstein in taking leadership to gain passage of AgJOBS as part of the 2007 Farm Bill.
CRAE argues for stable agricultural workforce
October 2007
One of CRAEs key policy objectives is to develop a legal agricultural workforce. As part of our federal advocacy, CRAE urged Congress to support the AgJOBS legislation that will provide a pathway for workers to live and work here legally.