Aiken Times

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Dan Kildee (D-MI) introduced the bipartisan Farm Operations Support Act, legislation that would revert the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) to the December 2022 rate for the remainder of 2023. The AEWR in South Carolina rose 14% from $11.99/hour to $13.67/hour in February 2023.

     “This year’s increase of the AEWR has exacerbated the current agricultural labor crisis, as farmers in South Carolina and across the country are facing extraordinary costs and challenges. Providing AEWR relief would be critically beneficial to the U.S. agricultural industry, and I am grateful to be working on this important issue,” said Rep. Wilson.

     “Michigan farmers have faced many challenges in recent years, including rising input costs and supply chain issues. This bill will provide relief to farmers as Congress works on a long-term sustainable solution,” said Rep. Kildee. “I will continue to work with Republicans and Democrats to support our agricultural community and farmers in Michigan.”

     “I applaud Representative Wilson for responding to the needs of South Carolina farmers and sponsoring the Farm Operations Support Act. This bill will allow farmers to continue to grow food, fuel and fiber without the costly impact of a wage increase,” said Harry Ott, President, South Carolina Farm Bureau.

     Despite the undue burden placed on farmers, the AEWR has steadily increased for the last nine years. Many farmers have said this year’s increase is unsustainable on top of rising input costs and other inflationary challenges.

     Companion legislation was also introduced in the Senate by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA).

     Read the full bill here.

Original source can be found here.