Moolenaar: Secretary Su’s Policies Hurting Michigan Farmers

Today, Julie Su, the Acting Secretary of Labor the for the Biden-Harris administration, is expected to be in Michigan. Her policies have hurt Michigan farmers by mandating unsustainable wages for farm workers, known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR). This year, under Acting Secretary Su's direction, the AEWR in Michigan was raised to $18.50 per hour, the fourth highest rate in the nation. 

"Many Michigan farmers are on the brink of bankruptcy because of the failed leadership of the Biden-Harris administration and Acting Secretary Su. I have met with fifth and sixth-generation farmers who fear that unless something changes, they will be the last in their family to farm. President Biden, Vice President Harris and Acting Secretary Su's policies are responsible for this hardship, and my bipartisan Supporting Farm Operations Act would help provide Michigan farmers overdue relief," said Congressman John Moolenaar.

Last month, the Protect Our Product coalition had an event with Moolenaar to discuss the high labor costs of the Biden-Harris administration’s policies. The Michigan Farm News reported:

“For the Kropfs, phasing out older varieties of apples on 25 acres carries a replanting cost of around $1 million. It’s money the couple said they won’t have if labor costs under the H-2A program continue to increase. “This money has to come from somewhere, and the price of the product has been relatively consistent, if not dropping,” Chris Kropf said. “We have to control our labor costs — at all costs.”

The AEWR in Michigan has been increased for ten consecutive years. Moolenaar has introduced bipartisan legislation called the Supporting Farm Operations Act. This bill would freeze Su's increase to the AEWR until the end of 2025. The legislation has been endorsed by multiple Michigan agriculture groups.