<p>The recent federal shutdown threw more than a wrench in the works as many government services and agencies were closed, suspended or otherwise impacted. Now that the wheels have begun turning again, the produce industry is faced with the effects of a 16 day delay in the H-2A application and approval process. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p> Jason Resnick, Vice President and General Counsel for Western Growers, tells AndNowUKnow, "Fortunately, efforts by Congress, spearheaded by Congressman Sam Farr and others, have brought together the government agencies necessary to get the ball rolling." Resnick continues, "The current backlog of H-2A applications is going to create a delay in the winter harvest in Yuma and the Imperial Valley if we don't remedy the situation quickly."</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Typically, November 10th provides a good marker for the first day of need in terms of the labor force in the region with activities ramping up around the 18th. The H-2A application needs to be filed at least 45 days prior to any start date for a worker; a period which allows for the possibility of short delays in the process. Government agencies like the Department of Labor and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, who are bringing on additional staff, expediting applications and allowing for electronic signatures in lieu of wet signatures, are helping to shave a few days off the process. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Interview appointments are also a part of the procedure and must be conducted by the State Department through consulates in Mexico. Resnick tells us, "These agencies have informed us that they are confident that the actions they are taking to respond to the 16 day delay will get workers into the region and through the process."</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>But Resnick also notes that it is still a bit early to tell. "We won't really know the severity of the delay or lack thereof, until November's start dates. But we hope to be moving full steam ahead come mid-November."</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as the Yuma and Imperial Valley harvest approaches.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
