Labor & Workforce

For agribusiness to remain profitable and viable for the long-term, we must have federal immigration reform that allows access to a stable and legal workforce.  Immigration reform can affect both relocated full-time employees and seasonal labor.  Not only is favorable access to needed labor a necessity, but the labor needed must be affordable.  PABC’s strategy is to monitor closely and continuously consult with member organizations which are vulnerable to an available workforce.

Guest work programs such as H-2A and H-2B are essential for our agribusinesses to remain viable.  PABC supports all efforts to make these programs as user friendly and cost effective as possible for agriculture and forestry while providing for the necessary labor needs within SC agribusiness.

PABC opposes unionization of agribusiness labor and along with other organizations, will continue to review/study labor legislation enacted in other states or which could be proposed in SC.A shortage of agribusiness workers has been obvious over the past several years, and PABC remains supportive of programs and efforts to stimulate more individuals joining the agribusiness workforce.

PABC supports legislation at both the federal and state level providing limited liability business protection to SC businesses impacted by a future significant unforeseen crisis considered beyond the control of business entities when businesses have appropriately followed approved governmental agency guidelines.