S. 5301: Voice for Farm Workers Act

This bill would extend and expand the Department of Agriculture’s Farmworker Coordinator role, which helps coordinate USDA efforts related to farmworkers.

What the bill changes

• Reauthorizes the Farmworker Coordinator through 2031. The current authorization would be extended from 2023 to 2031.

• Broadens who the Coordinator can work with. The Coordinator would be allowed to collaborate not only with organizations, but also with institutions of higher education and local educational agencies.

• Expands the kinds of partnerships and projects involved. The Coordinator could work with institutions or community-based nonprofit organizations on research, program improvements, agricultural education opportunities, and technical skills/job training programs.

• Adds new duties focused on farmworkers. These include:

  • evaluating how effective USDA outreach programs are for farmworkers;
  • creating and carrying out a plan to coordinate USDA outreach and services for farmworkers;
  • working with multiple USDA agencies and offices on policies and programs affecting farmworkers;
  • sharing information with farmworkers’ employers and posting on USDA’s website about federal programs their employees may qualify for;
  • identifying research priorities related to farmworker issues, workforce stability, agricultural productivity, and rural economic resilience;
  • measuring and analyzing how USDA programs affect farmworkers;
  • recommending new initiatives and programs to the Secretary of Agriculture.

• Allows the USDA to hire staff as needed to support the Coordinator’s work.

Plain-language effect

In practical terms, the bill would strengthen and formalize a USDA office responsible for making sure farmworkers are better included in outreach, training, research, and program planning. It would also make the office more active in coordinating among different parts of the Agriculture Department and in spreading information about federal services that farmworkers may be able to use.

Relevant Companies

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