Rep. David Rouzer Questions Ag Sec. Brooke Rollins on H-2A Program Reforms

Hurricane Helen Disaster Relief

• 🤝 Secretary Rollins confirmed close contact and daily conversations with North Carolina leaders regarding Hurricane Helen relief funds.
• ⏳ Funds are nearing contract and are expected to be released very soon to address devastation beyond crop loss, including timber, infrastructure, agritourism, and aquaculture.

Specialty Crop Economic Assistance

• 💰 The USDA has allocated a significant investment of approximately $2.65 billion for specialty crop economic assistance.
• 📈 While the first tranche of funds has moved and the second is following, specific rollout dates are still under review, with ongoing coordination with the White House.

H-2A Program and Adverse Effect Wage Rate

• ⚠️ Rep. Rouzer emphasized the critical need for a workable H-2A program, highlighting the adverse effect wage rate (AEWR) as a major issue for growers.
• 🗣️ He noted bipartisan agreement on the need to freeze the AEWR, referencing past administrative reforms during the Trump administration.
• 📈 Secretary Rollins acknowledged the unsustainability of the current wage disparity, citing an example of $2/hour in Mexico versus $23/hour in Texas for labor.
• 🤝 Both agree on the urgency and commitment to working collaboratively on reforms, recognizing labor as one of American agriculture's greatest needs.

McGovern-Dole Food Aid Program

• ✈️ Rep. Rouzer highlighted the humanitarian and diplomatic importance of the McGovern-Dole Food Aid Program, particularly its role in providing nutrition and education to children in developing countries.
• 🌍 While the program is realigning with the president's vision and focusing on countries that support America, funding for the next round opened on May 9th.