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Legislation aims to stabilize labor costs for Michigan farms by freezing migrant worker wages back to 2023 levels amid rising economic pressures.
Michigan Farm Wage Freeze Bill Seeks to Protect Farmers
Michigan farmers facing rising labor costs may soon see relief under the Supporting Farm Operations Act, reintroduced by Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI). The bipartisan bill, if passed, would freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for H-2A migrant farm workers at 2023 levels through 2026, shielding farms from further wage hikes mandated by the Department of Labor (DOL).
Michigan Agriculture Faces a Labor Cost Crisis
With Michigan farmers required to pay H-2A workers $18.15 per hour, many struggle to stay afloat. This rate, set annually by the DOL, includes additional expenses such as housing and transportation for migrant workers. Moolenaar’s bill would freeze wages at $17.36 per hour, the rate set in 2023, to prevent further financial strain on farms that rely on seasonal labor.
“Our farmers have made it clear that continued increases in labor costs are unsustainable and could bankrupt them,” said Moolenaar. “This legislation provides relief so they can stay in business and continue feeding our communities.”
Widespread Support from Agricultural Groups
The bill has gained backing from numerous agricultural organizations, including the Michigan Farm Bureau, the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the Michigan Vegetable Council. Farmers and industry leaders stress that stabilizing wages is crucial for keeping Michigan’s agricultural sector competitive.
“We are losing vegetable growers due to unaffordable wage rates,” said Greg Bird of the Michigan Vegetable Council. “This wage pause will allow farmers to implement new technologies and survive in an already challenging industry.”
The H-2A Migrant Worker Wages Program and Its Challenges
The H-2A visa program allows farms to hire seasonal workers when domestic labor is unavailable. However, farmers must comply with strict wage and housing regulations. Many argue that the AEWR increases place an undue burden on their operations, particularly when commodity prices fluctuate and other costs, such as fuel and fertilizers, remain volatile.
“The cost of growing apples has jumped 65% in three years due to labor costs,” said Jim Bair, President & CEO of the U.S. Apple Association. “Family farms cannot sustain another year of these increases.”
A Bipartisan Push for Wage Stability
Moolenaar’s proposal has gained bipartisan support, with Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI) among its cosponsors. Other legislators, including Reps. Jack Bergman (R-MI), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), and Dan Newhouse (R-WA), have also signed on. Agricultural leaders view this as a step toward broader H-2A program reform.
“This bill prioritizes short-term relief for America’s farm families while Congress works on long-term solutions,” said John Walt Boatright, Director of Government Affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Economic Pressures on Michigan Farms
Beyond labor, farmers face economic difficulties from fluctuating crop prices, global trade competition, and increasing supply chain costs. The Michigan Farm Bureau warns that without immediate intervention, more farms may shutter.
“We need Congress to act swiftly,” said Ben LaCross, President of the Michigan Farm Bureau. “A stable wage structure will help keep our food supply safe and grown here in America.”
What Happens Next?
The Supporting Farm Operations Act will now move through the 119th Congress, where lawmakers will debate its merits. If passed, the bill could offer Michigan’s farmers a much-needed financial reprieve and set the stage for comprehensive agricultural labor reform.
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