Why Using an H2A Agency Is a Smart Choice for Farms and Ag Businesses
As the owner or manager of a U.S. farm or ag business, you know how hard it is to find sufficient, reliable, and skilled farm labor. That’s precisely why the H2A Visa Program was created—to fill that farm labor gap. But the H2A application process is complex, the rules and regulations are constantly changing, and the stakes are high.
Applying for the H2A Program on your own takes precious time away from focusing on growing your ag business and opens you up to significant risk. Applying through an attorney has benefits but these are typically limited to the legal compliance side of things, leaving you potentially exposed on the operational compliance side.
According to 2020 data from the USDA Economic Research Service (the latest year available), the largest share of H2A applications, 45%, came through H2A agencies. This blog focuses on the reasons why so many farms and ag businesses choose to hire an H2 agency to help them manage the overwhelming H2A Visa Program process.
Farms and ag businesses have a lot at risk
Deciding how to apply for the H2A Program is a big deal. Getting it right can mean the difference between a profitable year and having to face the following challenges:
Costly mistakes
Delays
Worker no-shows
Unskilled workers
Missed or lost harvests
Increased stress & distraction
Administrative burden
How do farms and ag businesses benefit from using an H2A agency?
Relying on an H2A agency to guide you through the H2A application process can be a lifesaver. An experienced H2A agency like USA Farm Labor can:
Offload much of the administrative burden
Handle all communications with the Department of Labor (DOL), your State Workforce Agency (SWA), and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) on your behalf
Apply best practices to ensure your application stays on track and is approved on time, so your workers arrive on schedule
Reduce your risk and help you avoid costly mistakes by helping you stay compliant with both the legal and operational rules and regulations
Help you find skilled, verified workers
Free up time to spend with family and focus on growing your business
All of the above add up to fewer headaches, less risk, and more successful harvests.
To put things in perspective, reputable H2A agencies will advise you anytime you’re at risk of being out of compliance. Here’s a brief summary of just some of the most common H2A Program violations and associated penalties:
Scenarios where using an H2A agency is especially valuable
Using an H2A agency is particularly helpful if you:
Are new to H2A
Have recurring farm labor needs
Need a large number of workers
Need help justifying unique needs or operate a unique type of farm
Have tight planting or harvest windows
Need help finding experienced farm labor
Lack an internal HR or compliance staff
Operate in multiple states
Don’t have time to manage all the details or stay up to date about H2A
Look for a partner, not a paper pusher
Most any H2A agency can fill out and submit paperwork. But how can it protect and support you when the inevitable bumps in the road happen? That’s what really shows you how much they’re committed to your success. It takes experience and continual investment in a strong infrastructure to provide farms and ag businesses with:
Predictability
Continuity
Seasonal workforce planning and strategy
Risk management
A repeatable system for growth
Learn more about how to assess and compare H2A agencies
USA Farm Labor is an H2A workforce solution partner you can count on
USA Farm Labor goes beyond applications and visas to provide farms and ag businesses with a structured, repeatable system that ensures a pipeline of predictable seasonal farm labor year after year. Partnering with us engages an end-to-end infrastructure and team of experts that handle everything from mapping out your seasonal labor strategy, securing your Temporary Labor Certifications, and compliance, to risk management, recruitment, worker logistics, and ongoing support throughout your entire season. Our goal is to replace your worry and stress with confidence and peace of mind.
