Following litigation initiated by the Farm Worker Justice Organization, courts have set aside a wage freeze imposed by the previous Administration.  In accordance with a statutory survey of wages released on November 24th, U.S. and foreign farm workers will be eligible for increases to take effect in 2022. 

The Department of Agriculture imposed the wage freeze in 2020 when COVID reduced the availability of seasonal farm labor. Concurrently the volume of distribution of H-2A visas was inadequate to meet demand.

Wage increases for seasonal workers will have a direct inflationary knock-on effect across agriculture and especially for growers of produce and fruit.  In contrast he U.S. egg industry generally employs a year-round workforce comprising eligible workers with wage rates determined by local supply and demand.