FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS THE LEADING GROWER REPRESENTATIVE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
TAXES In 2021, there was a renewed effort to remove several important tax benefits that have long been available to farmers and ranchers, including estate tax exemptions and the step-up in basis. Western Growers worked with allied organizations to prevent these tax code changes that would drive many families to sell property (or the farm!) to pay taxes. SUPPLY CHAIN Western Growers has highlighted the urgent need to fix port congestion and unfair treatment of U.S agricultural exports. These backlogs resulted in massive hikes in freight rates and millions of dollars in lost export sales for our members. Our advocacy efforts have informed the Administration’s position on ports and helped lead to the passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 in the House of Representatives, which aims in part to crack down on unreasonable practices by container shipping lines. We are working to move this bill in the Senate.
As the leading grower voice on federal policy issues, Western Growers continues to lead legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts on behalf of the fresh produce industry. Amid an Administration change and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges, we secured several key legislative victories for our members in 2021.
WATER INFRASTRUCTURE Western Growers organized a regional coalition of more than 220 agricultural organizations and water agencies to secure funding for Western water infrastructure in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was signed into law in November. The bill includes $8 billion for projects that will enhance water supply reliability in the West, including repairing aging dams and canals and building new surface and groundwater storage and conveyance facilities. IMMIGRATION Western Growers continues to advocate for agricultural immigration reform and worked with our congressional champions to introduce and pass the Farm Workforce Modernization Act in the House of Representatives in March. Like the version passed by the House in 2019, this bill provides a mechanism to retain existing, experienced workers and reforms the H-2A program to secure a reliable future flow of guest workers. We are working with our industry allies to generate momentum for legislation in the Senate.
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator