North Charlotte Today

Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024, which aims to provide relief for American farmers by reverting the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) to the December 2023 rate through the end of the 2025 growing season. The bill has garnered support from various agricultural organizations and key stakeholders.

Senator Tillis highlighted the challenges faced by farmers, stating, “With net farm income projected to decrease by more than 25% this year, farmers in North Carolina and across the country are struggling to make their planting decisions for this crop season.” He emphasized the importance of addressing the unsustainable wage rates imposed on farmers, particularly through the H-2A program.

Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, commended Senator Tillis for his efforts, saying, “Farmers care about the people who choose to work on their farms, and that includes paying them a fair wage.” Duvall expressed appreciation for the bill's focus on creating a wage standard that benefits both farmers and employees while ensuring the sustainability of agricultural operations.

Shawn Harding, President of the North Carolina Farm Bureau, also lauded Senator Tillis for his work on addressing the labor needs of farmers in North Carolina. Harding described the bill as a reasonable approach to alleviating one of agriculture's most pressing concerns, providing short-term relief through the adjustment of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate.

The Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024 has received support from a range of organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, North Carolina Farm Bureau, and various agricultural associations. Original cosponsors of the bill include Senators from states with significant agricultural interests such as North Carolina, Nebraska, Kansas, Texas, and Wyoming.

The bill's broad support underscores the importance of addressing the challenges faced by American farmers and ensuring the viability of agricultural operations. Stakeholders across the industry have come together to advocate for the passage of the Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024, recognizing the critical role it plays in supporting the agricultural community.