Nov 3, 2025Labor Department to resume processing of H-2A applications
The U.S. Department of Labor will resume processing H-2A and H-2B applications, activity designated essential during the government shutdown.
The National Potato Council (NPC) and the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) were among agricultural organizations that urged the action in an Oct. 24 letter (.pdf).
“We have a crisis mounting with the recent pause in H-2A processing,” the letter read in part. “Our members produce highly perishable, nutritious food and plants that are labor intensive and require timely attention to prevent waste, grocery produce shelves deficiencies, and farmers facing additional financial woes.”
In a 72-page contingency plan (.pdf) dated Oct. 31, the Labor Department says the Office of Foreign Labor Certification will process prevailing wage determinations and labor certification applications.
“We appreciate the administration’s recognition and quick response to both the immediate and long-term implications on farms as a result of a loss of guest workers during the government shutdown,” Dean Gibson, NPC vice president of legislative affairs and a grower from Idaho, said in a statement.
