WASHINGTON, July 31, 2014— The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and the Partnership for a New American Economy today released a new ad calling on Congress to pass immigration reform. The ad features Bernie Thiel, a Texas farmer who says he had to destroy some of his crops for two years because he has been unable to find the workers he needs to harvest.
The ad premiered today in Washington, D.C. taxis and Reagan National and Dulles International airports. It will also play in movie theatres in 16 congressional districts, rodeos in Idaho and Louisiana; and several State Fairs.
“A farmer should never have to destroy a crop due to the lack of an adequate labor force,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman in a news release. “If that situation doesn’t illustrate the clear need for agricultural labor reform, I’m not sure what will.”
He added that the political climate makes passing an immigration bill difficult, but “we are determined that ensuring an adequate farm workforce and securing our borders are compatible goals that are worthy of continued pursuit.”
The ad is part of an ad campaign promoting immigration reform organized by the Partnership for a New American Economy that launched in April.
"Our farmers are struggling to do their jobs because they don't have the workers they need,” said John Feinblatt, Chairman of the Partnership for a New American Economy. “So while Congress does nothing to address agriculture labor shortages, farms fail, food rots, and we import more produce from overseas.”
#30
For more news go to www.agri-pulse.com