In an era when American agriculture faces unprecedented labor challenges, másLabor continues to stand firmly beside the growers who feed the nation. Our mission has always been clear: empower agricultural employers with the knowledge, tools, and advocacy they need to secure a dependable workforce and protect the future of U.S. food production.
That mission is more important now than ever.
A Commitment Rooted in Service and Education
At másLabor, we believe that supporting our clients goes far beyond filing paperwork. Our work is grounded in education, transparency, and partnership. We host events, workshops, and roundtables across the country because informed growers are empowered growers.
This week’s session was a perfect example. The first half of the day focused on the evolution of H‑2A wages and the shifting dynamics of the agricultural workforce. Dr. Philip Martin of UC Davis shared decades of data, historical trends, current realities, and the economic pressures shaping the future of farm labor.
His insights sparked meaningful discussion:
- How will rising wages affect growers’ ability to remain competitive
- What does the future look like for employers who rely on H‑2A
- Will operations shift toward automation, controlled‑environment agriculture, or even offshore production
- And the biggest question of all: What does the future of American agriculture look like if labor uncertainty continues
These are not abstract policy questions. They are the real concerns of the growers we serve every day.
Advocating for a Better, More Efficient H‑2A System
Dr. Martin also offered forward‑thinking ideas to streamline the H‑2A process, ideas that resonated deeply with the employers in the room. Concepts like:
- A “TSA Pre‑Check” style system allowing trusted employers to self‑certify housing
- Multi‑year contracts enabling reduced government filing fees
- Allowing returning workers to skip consular appointments
These are the kinds of reforms that would reduce administrative burdens, lower costs, and bring much‑needed predictability to the agricultural labor pipeline.
másLabor has long advocated for practical improvements like these. We know that when the system works better, growers can focus on growing, not navigating bureaucracy.
másLabor Leadership: On the Front Lines with Growers
Under the guidance of CEO Chris Ball, the strategic direction of COO Richard Keeth, and the unwavering dedication of SVP and General Counsel Tom Bortnyk, másLabor’s leadership provided a clear, grounded picture of what we are seeing across the country. They walked attendees through real‑time trends in filings with state agencies, the Department of Labor, and USCIS; the mounting challenges in consular processing; and the ongoing strain created by wage volatility. Their insights reflected not only deep ability, but a shared commitment to helping growers navigate an increasingly complex H‑2A landscape.
We do not just observe these issues. We fight for our clients through them!
Our team works tirelessly to:
- Navigate shifting regulations
- Troubleshoot delays
- Advocate for fair and workable policies
- Keep growers informed and prepared
When we say we are dedicated to our clients, we mean it. We show up in the field, in the boardroom, in the policy arena, and in every conversation that shapes the future of agricultural labor.
Food Security Is National Security
One message echoed throughout the event: America’s food supply depends on a stable, legal, and reliable workforce.
Without labor, crops do not get planted, tended, or harvested.
Without crops, the nation becomes dependent on foreign food sources.
And when a nation cannot feed itself, it becomes vulnerable.
This is why másLabor’s mission is bigger than compliance.
It is bigger than filings.
It is bigger than any single season.
We are committed to protecting the backbone of American agriculture, its people, its producers, and its future.
A Vision for the Future: Empowered Growers, Stronger Communities, and a Secure Nation
másLabor will continue to:
- Host events that elevate understanding
- Advocate for reforms that strengthen the H‑2A program
- Support growers through every challenge
- Build partnerships that reinforce the agricultural workforce
- Stand firm in our belief that supporting farmers is supporting America
Our dedication is unwavering because the stakes are too high to do anything less.
