In testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee Jen Sorenson, President of the National Pork Producers Council, urged reform of current visa programs following legislation passed by the U.S. House. Sorenson pointed to the need for workers eligible to work the entire year. His testimony noted that the pork industry is restrained by non-availability of workers and relies heavily on non-U.S. citizens eligible to work under an agricultural visa program. Sorenson warned that if not resolved, the labor shortage would lead to closure of some packing plants leading to higher food prices and disruption of the supply chain.
The National Pork Producers Council is advocating year round H-2A visas without limits on numbers. The Council is concerned over competition among 
segments of the agricultural industry for available workers with a limited number of visas.
Sorenson concluded his testimony stating “Our industry is vital to the U.S. economy and prosperity in rural communities. Our foreign-born workforce is an essential part of our supply chain and we need visa reform to reflect our year-round needs.”