CNN story on Immigration Reform Features WFB Members!
November 5, 2009 - 5:11pm
By Scott Dilley
Washington Farm Bureau members Rob Valicoff and Tom Roach do a great job highlighting the need for immigration reform in this CNN clip. In addition to airing many times on news networks throughout Washington, this segment was picked up by affiliates throughout the country.
Washington’s most sought-after crops, such as apples and cherries, area also the most labor intensive to pick. As such, farmers regularly have a difficult time finding enough seasonal workers available locally to assist with harvest, and turn to the H-2A program for help. Valicoff is one of 30 farmers in Washington state using the cumbersome H-2A program to meet the demands of the American consumer.
Talks about the difficulty in finding farm workers and the need for immigration reform are nothing new. Rob Valicoff shared his story in Neighbors magazine, Washington Farm Bureau’s flagship publication, in the spring 2009 issue.
If you have questions concerning current labor policies or ideas about how to implement immigration reform, please contact Scott Dilley at Washington Farm Bureau.
