Making the H-2A program more inclusive and promote diversification

 The SA Chamber USA have been working with sector stakeholders and government to make the H-2A program more inclusive and promote diversification. This can be achieved in the main through increasing access to the program by rural communities in South Africa. There is a pool of talented South African farm workers and Agri-College students that would greatly benefit if they are given access to participate in the H2A program. South Africa is the second largest provider of seasonal agricultural workers to the USA behind Mexico. The SA Chamber USA and their members sees the opportunity to maintain the existing H-2A talent pool while driving diversification through the introduction of new recruits into the H-2A program from under represented groups. The meeting set goals and objectives that will be further discussed with sector stakeholders to deliver real results. Growing the number of South Africans participating in the H-2A through diversification is a joint priority.