Farm employers continue to express concern over inconsistencies in a USDA farm labor survey, which is being used to determine H-2A guest worker wages.
Sarah Black, general manager of Great Lakes Ag Labor Services, says the survey is unrepresentative, with very few farmers actually receiving it. Arguing it was never intended to be a wage-setting tool, and questions how the Lake Region’s reported wages rose 9% when broader economic indicators only show 2–3% increases. Great Lakes Ag also criticizes the USDA’s lack of transparency, noting repeated refusals to release data through FOIA requests.
Despite frustrations, Great Lakes Ag is hopeful changes are on the horizon as both the Secretaries of Agriculture and Labor have committed to addressing farm labor challenges.
Photo Credit: The USDA
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