This press release from Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA) was published on 2026-07-13 and titled "Op-ed: Now is the time to reform our agricultural labor laws".
Op-ed: Now is the time to reform our agricultural labor laws Op-ed: Now is the time to reform our agricultural labor laws In Washington state, the need for a reliable workforce is well known among farmers and ranchers. Our region produces high-quality specialty crops, many of which are labor-intensive. Farmers are struggling given current economic conditions; a recent USDA report pulling 2024 data ranks Washington state 50th in farm profitability. A primary driver of that last-place ranking is the high cost of labor. Max.Willens@ma… Mon, 07/13/2026 - 11:24 July 13, 2026