Source: NC AGRIBUSINESS COUNCIL, 9/30/14
 

US Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (NC-2) is introducing the Fairness for Farmers Act of 2014 at the request of growers in her district. The bill would exempt temporary/seasonal agricultural workers from being counted as full-time workers under the Affordable Care Act, which requires employers who have more than 50 full-time equivalent workers to provide health insurance or pay a penalty.  Nineteen agricultural groups in NC have signed onto the below letter, urging NC's other Congressional members to support the bill.

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To Members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation:

On behalf of the North Carolina agricultural commodity associations below, we are writing to ask for your support of HR 5392, the Fairness for Farmers Act of 2014. Each of these associations represents hundreds of farmers across the state.

As you know, North Carolina is a leading state in agricultural production with 20 major commodities that generate over $11 billion* (ERS/USDA 1 Value of production) a year in farm gate revenue. North Carolina’s agricultural products are consumed locally, nationally, exported around the world and contribute $78 billion (2012 statistics) to the economic impact of the North Carolina’s gross state product.

North Carolina relies on agricultural workers that work seasonal crops throughout the state. These temporary workers are vital to the sustainability of the agribusinesses that employ them each year.

Under the Affordable Care Act, employers who have more than 50 full time equivalent workers are required to provide health insurance. These seasonal/transitory agricultural workers are counted when determining if a farm or business is required to provide health insurance or pay a penalty.

Currently, North Carolina farmers pay recruitment costs, visa fees, transportation, and housing, while offering and paying the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR). With all these costs paid for by the farmers, the additional healthcare costs or penalties would severely impact not only farming operations but also the economy of North Carolina.

We ask you to consider supporting HR 5392 by co-sponsoring this legislation so the unintended consequences of the Affordable Healthcare Act do not ruin the future of North Carolina’s vibrant Agribusiness industry.

Sincerely,
NC AgriBusiness Council
The North Carolina Blueberry Council, Inc.
NC Cattleman 's Association 
NC Christmas Tree Association
NC Commercial Flower Growers Association
NC Green Industry Council
NC Nursery and Landscape Association
NC Pickle Producers Association
NC Pork Council NC Potato Association
NC Small Grain Growers Association
NC Soybean Association
NC State Grange
NC Strawberry Association
North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission
NC Vegetable Growers Association
North Carolina Tomato Growers
NC Watermelon Association
Tobacco Growers Association of NC
US Tobacco Cooperative