This Issue Tracker will keep track of all federal legislative actions following the signing of the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act and will also list and track prior events for historical purposes and additional clarity.

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives Bill 5038, entitled the “Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019.” The Bill would create a new status – certified agricultural worker (CAW) – for nonimmigrant agricultural workers provided that they meet employment verification criteria. In addition, the Bill proposes to modify the H-2A temporary worker program as regards the H-2A worker minimum wage, recruiting, and working hours.

USDA FSIS issued an updated version of a compliance guideline titled “Updated Labeling Guideline on Statements That Bioengineered or Genetically Modified Ingredients or Animal Feed Were Not Used in the Production of Meat, Poultry, or Egg Products.”

This section will track legislative actions relating to the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board that have been introduced or passed during the 2019-2020 legislative session and beyond. Our intent in covering proposed legislation is to give you the pulse of what is happening in the Pennsylvania dairy industry.

Of the $10,073,380 funds allocated to Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Delaware and North Carolina, the USDA informed that $7.1 million are allotted to Pennsylvania. USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach stated, “Pennsylvania is a critical partner in protecting U.S. agriculture … With this funding, Pennsylvania will be able to better protect its own resources, and, in doing so, contribute to USDA’s mission of keeping our nation’s agriculture economy healthy and strong.”