YAKIMA, WA –– Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) hosted a press conference with Central Washington producers and agriculture industry representatives to urge the Senate to pass his landmark legislation, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, and enact agriculture labor reformbefore the end of the year.

“Our entire food production system is at risk,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Let’s stop waiting and start acting. Today I call on my Senate colleagues to move the Farm Workforce Modernization Act forward so we can finally secure our border, lower food costs, and provide a lasting solution for our farmers and ranchers.”

Rep. Newhouse was joined by Central Washington producers Kristin Kershaw of Superfresh Growers, Tony Freytag of Crunchpak, Jason Sheehan of J&K Dairy, and Mark Powers of Northwest Horticultural Council.

“The Central Washington farmer really understands what it means to have job vacancies. Each year, thousands of productive acres of farmland are taken out of production and many crops are unable to be harvested due to higher labor costs, unavailable labor, and increasing regulatory burdens,” said Kristin Kershaw. “The Farm Workforce Modernization Act gives us an opportunity to change that, reduce food waste, and secure our nation’s food future.”

“Today, produce prices are up anywhere from 10 to 17 percent over the past year and farmers of all sizes are going out of business,” said Tony Freytag. “Congressman Newhouse is making a very simple request. And that’s for the...

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