it deals directly with its members having access to workers now and in the future. Calvert was the original creator of the e-verify program and currently is sponsor of a bill that would require all employers to use the system, something that Western Growers opposes as a stand-alone measure. Calvert said it’s been a number of years since the program was integrated into the immigration process and although the system is not mandatory, he believes it has worked quite well for those who have used it. “Millions go through the system every year and it works,” Calvert said, noting that its use is already mandated in a number of states. Western Growers’ supports the use of a mandatory e-verify program, but that support is contingent on ensuring that practical and reasonable solutions are achieved for both the current and future workforce that American farmers depend on in order for the industry to remain competitive. In other words, Congress must also pass immigration reform. Despite his affinity for e-verify, Calvert recognizes ag has a labor problem. He said that’s one reason he supports Chairman Goodlatte’s bill, which he believes will be improved as it makes its way through the legislative process. Calvert did point out that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a high priority item for Congress and that issue will most likely be addressed first. He said he is not sure if e-verify will be part of that discussion but suspects we will soon find out. “I recognize ag is an important industry in our state and across the country and needs labor to provide food and fiber to the American people,” Calvert said. “We in Congress want to make sure you continue to do that. I talk to a lot of farmers and they mention this issue to me as their first, second and third item of importance.” On this and on every issue, Calvert said it was important for farmers to remain engaged on these subjects and continue to remind their elected leaders of the issues that concern them. Lastly, Calvert addressed the issue of infrastructure reform, reiterating the president’s goals of addressing welfare and infrastructure reform now that tax reform has been signed into law. Calvert said that many infrastructure projects fall under his jurisdiction. He realizes that infrastructure reform goes far beyond surface projects, acknowledging the need to address airport, utility and water
projects, among other things. “Water storage and conveyance is not only important for farmers, but it’s also important to the general population,” he said. “I’d like to get the Shasta Dam addition under construction. An increase in the height of the dam by a modest elevation of 18 feet will give us a lot more yield in acre feet. It’s important to get things moving.
Calvert also cited the various funding mechanisms in place that can leverage state and federal dollars to help complete road, water, sewer, wastewater and flood control projects. “We will give folks tools to build more projects that are qualified rather having them simply work us over for more money.”
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JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018
Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com
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