The U.S. Department of Agriculture ) is gathering input to help shape a recently announced planned grant program focused on improving the resiliency of our food and agricultural supply chain by addressing labor shortages in agriculture, reducing irregular migration through increased use of legal pathways, and improving labor protections for farmworkers.

The grant program will use up to $65 million in funds from the pandemic stimulas package Congress passed last year to provide support for agricultural employers in implementing robust labor protections to promote a safe, healthy work environment for both U.S. workers and workers hired from northern Central American countries under the seasonal H-2A visa program. 

USDA’s Farm Service Agency will hold three virtual listening sessions on Sept. 28-29 for the new farm labor stabilization and protection pilot grant program. Information on how to attend is available at fsa.usda.gov/farmworkers.