The Bottom Line No. 5, May 22, 2024 (link to full newsletter)
News (From This Issue)
Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant Now Open for Applications – Deadline June 28.
DOL focuses on heat-related hazards – proposed rule coming soon!
The US Department of Labor is moving closer to publishing a proposed rule that seeks to reduce health risks of heat exposure for U.S. workers in outdoor and indoor settings. On April 24, 2024, the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration presented the draft rule’s initial regulatory framework at a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health. As part of the rulemaking process, the agency will seek and consider input from a wide range of stakeholders and the public at-large as it works to propose and finalize its rule.
In addition, the agency said it is prioritizing programmed inspections in agricultural industries that employ temporary, nonimmigrant H-2A workers for seasonal labor. “These workers face unique vulnerabilities, including potential language barriers, less control over their living and working conditions, and possible lack of acclimatization, and are at high risk of hazardous heat exposure,” the Labor Department said in a news release.
What You Can Do
As we move into warmer temperatures be aware of the risks of heat exposure and what you can do to keep you and your employees healthy this summer. According to OSHA, most outdoor fatalities, 50% to 70%, occur in the first few days of working in warm or hot environments because the body needs to build a tolerance to the heat gradually over time. 3 out of 4 workers who die from heat related causes die in their first weeks on the job! Lack of acclimatization represents a major risk factor for fatal outcomes.
National Agritourism Survey, PennState Extension
The 2024 National Agritourism Survey is now collecting responses. All agricultural operations that welcome visitors—whether for on-farm direct sales, educational programs, entertainment, farm stays, recreation, special events, and more—are invited to complete the survey. By participating in this survey, you’ll help us pinpoint the types of support farmers like you require—whether it’s getting business assistance, developing networks, applying for grants, or navigating zoning and liability issues. If you have questions about this survey, please contact Claudia Schmidt, a Penn State Extension specialist (cschmidt@psu.edu).
Farm Bill Update – Congress is moving forward with bills for the next farm bill. Both the US House and Senate have released bills.
On May 1 U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) Wednesday unveiled the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act you can find a summary of the bill and the full text at this link.
On May 17th the House Committee on Agriculture Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA) released the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024. The link leads to the House Ag Committee webpage on the farm bill with information about the act.
To Learn More about the Farm Bill
Here is an article in Roll Call that describes some of the differences in the House and Senate bills. And here is a link to a recent article by Kathleen Merrigan, former deputy Secretary of Agriculture, in The Conversation that discusses some of the key issues and challenges for passing the next Farm Bill.