East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and 15 Senate colleagues have taken a stand to address the escalating Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) that is putting pressure on American agriculture. In a letter to Senate leadership, the group urged for a freeze on the AEWR in order to support farmers and ranchers across the country.

“The increasing cost of labor for agriculture producers is unsustainable,” the Senators expressed in their letter. They highlighted that the national average AEWR is set to reach $17.55 in 2024, marking a 5.6 percent increase from the previous year and more than doubling since 2005. This continuous rise in costs, coupled with other expenses and regulations, could fundamentally alter the food production model that has maintained America's agricultural independence.

John Walt Boatright, Director of Government Affairs at American Farm Bureau, emphasized the urgency of addressing the labor crisis in farming. He stated, “Farmers are suffering through a worsening labor crisis, and something must be done to modernize an outdated farmworker system.”

The Senators, including Crapo, emphasized the need to act promptly to prevent further strain on food producers and ensure the nation's food security. They are advocating for short-term relief through freezing the AEWR to support small and family-operated farms that are already struggling to afford adequate labor.

Crapo, a co-sponsor of the Supporting Farm Operations Act, is pushing for a revert to the December 2023 AEWR rate until the end of the 2025 growing season. This move aims to provide temporary respite for farmers and prevent potential shifts in production outside the United States.

The American Farm Bureau stands in support of the Senators' efforts, acknowledging the critical need for a solution to the escalating AEWR and its impact on agricultural operations. The full text of the letter can be accessed for further details on the proposed freeze.