November 6, 2013
www.gfb.org
Vol. 31 No. 45
FARMERS RALLY IN D.C. FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM Farm Bureau farmers and leaders from 14 states, including Georgia, gathered in Washington on Oct. 29 to advocate passage of a new farm labor program as part of comprehensive immigration reform. Joining more than 600 business leaders during the Americans for Reform immigration fly-in event, Farm Bureau members spent the day on Capitol Hill talking with their congressional representatives about their need for a reliable workforce. Georgia Farm Bureau staff accompanied Pike County Farm Bureau Young Farmer Chairman Matt Bottoms and Decatur County Farm Bureau Director Greg Murray in visits to the offices of eight of Georgia’s 14 members of the House of Representatives. During these visits they emphasized the importance of legislation that ensures a workable, flexible and market-based solution that meets the needs of agricultural employers. “Farmers need access to a stable, legal work force in order to provide consistent delivery of high quality food products,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. “We were happy to be represented in this effort to share that message in Washington, and we’re hopeful the dialogue will continue toward a solution to this issue that is so crucial, not only to Georgia’s farmers, but to all Georgians.” Georgia Farm Bureau maintains that immigration is an issue requiring national legislation to prevent variations in state laws that create competitive imbalance between states. GFB and American Farm Bureau are urging Congress to pass immigration reform this year. Bills have been introduced in the Senate (S.744, which the Senate passed in June) and the House (H.R. 1773). The GFB group urged House members to vote for H.R. 1773 so the bills go to conference and the process of enacting immigration reform could move forward. “Immigration reform is critical for the agricultural industry,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “Many farmers rely on an immigrant labor force and without reform, growers will begin to plant less labor intensive crops or go off shore. Simply put, either we import our labor or we import our food.” Farm Bureau is urging Congress to pass an agriculture labor program with both short and long-term stability. Multiple states, including Georgia, have experienced significant economic losses in recent years because of shortages in agricultural labor resulting in many cases from immigration-related issues. Americans for Reform is comprised of conservative faith, law enforcement and business groups from around the nation.