Senators introduce bill aimed at stabilizing farm labor costs

U.S. Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina and several Republican colleagues have introduced legislation aimed at stabilizing agricultural labor costs and providing greater certainty for farmers. The proposal, known as the Farmworker Access and Retention Modernization, or FARM, Stability Act, would codify recent U.S. Department of Labor changes to how wages are calculated under the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program. Supporters say the measure would help producers better predict labor expenses amid rising costs. The bill includes a two-tiered wage system based on worker experience and seeks to standardize annual wage adjustments, while accounting for employer-provided housing. Backers, including Senators Tim Scott of South Carolina and John Boozman of Arkansas, say the legislation would provide stability for farms facing volatile labor expenses. Farm groups have expressed support, while broader debate over agricultural labor policy continues as Congress considers updates to federal farm programs.