NOA supports FIFRA; opposes Toxic Pesticides Act of 2020
Along with roughly 300 organizations, the NOA has signed a letter in support of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act and its opposition to the Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act of 2020. The letter was sent Sept. 15.
The letter states the PACTPA “misrepresents the science-based safety standards that are used to protect farmers workers and the public.
FIFRA as well has been amended several times to ensure specific protections for women and children. Read the full letter here.
Protecting America’s Food and Agriculture Act of 2019
Became law March 3, 2020.
Summary: Authorizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), every fiscal year, to hire, train, and assign 240 new agricultural specialists until the total number of specialists equals and sustains the requirements identified each year in the Agriculture Resource Allocation Model.
The CBP may also hire, train, and assign support staff to assist the specialists and specified levels of agricultural canine teams.
In calculating the number of specialists needed at each port of entry through the Agriculture Resource Allocation Model, the Office of Field Operations of the CBP must (1) rely on data collected regarding the inspections and other activities conducted at each such port of entry; and (2) consider volume from seasonal surges, other projected changes in commercial and passenger volumes, the most current commercial forecasts, and other relevant information.
US-Mexico-Canada Agreement
This agreement, signed into law by President Donald Trump on Jan. 29, 2020, replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement, modernizing trade between the countries in North America.
Under 21 Military CDL Pilot Program
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act
(Passed!)
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act was introduced in Congress on Oct. 30, 2019 and passed Dec. 11, 2019 on a vote of 260-165. Here is the roll call vote.
According to United Fresh “this bill addresses many of the issues the fresh produce industry has been advocating for over the last two decades including a pathway to legalization for the current workforce and significant reforms to the H-2A program.” United Fresh was proud to be part of this effort and also helping garner 44 original cosponsors. These Members of Congress should be applauded for their leadership and rising above the partisan divide that has permeated our nation’s capital.”
The Senate has yet to pick this bill up, and we believe a Senate version will emerge soon.
