Nov 14, 2022

Penn State to offer growers help with H-2A changes

With significant program regulations changes coming in 2023 for users of H-2A labor, Penn State Extension is planning a webinar to inform growers of the changes.

Through a Dec. 13 Zoom webinar, Penn State labor authorities plan to address the changes, which include:
• New electronic filing, notices, and signature process,
• The latest on minimum wage rates,
• Housing standards and new documentation, and
• Multiple-employer “joint” employment.

Speakers include Brook Duer, a staff attorney with Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law, Linda Falcone, a Penn State Extension educator, and Sara Gligora, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s special assistant for workforce development central regional director.

On Oct. 6, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a final rule to amend the H-2A non-immigrant agricultural worker program Visa regulations. “Every agricultural employer using or wishing to use H-2A workers needs to become aware of the program changes because they will impact planning for the 2023 growing season,” Penn State Extension officials said in a news release. “Whether you are new to the process or you have used H-2A workers in the past, significant H-2A program regulation changes for 2023 will identify key changes to the program for the coming year.”

The free webinar is designed for farming operations H-2A program users and other interested parties, including members of the public.

Registration is required to receive a link to access the webinar, which is scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. Registrants will also receive access to the webinar recording. To RSVP, please visit https://tinyurl.com/bddb2rrx by Dec. 13.

To Register by telephone or for registration questions, call 877-345-0691. For more information, contact Linda Falcone at 570-905-7752 or via [email protected].