How the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act Protects the Potato Supply Chain Artwork

Eye on Potatoes: A Podcast on All Things Potatoes

The Eye on Potatoes Podcast is brought to you by the National Potato Council. This is the place to tune in for conversations with growers and thought leaders on advocacy, production and all things potatoes. It's about talking with folks across the United States and hearing stories about how federal policy impacts potato farming and the important role the NPC plays in standing up for potatoes on Capitol Hill. Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato growing obstacles.

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Eye on Potatoes: A Podcast on All Things Potatoes

How the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act Protects the Potato Supply Chain

June 22, 2026 • Eye on Potatoes

0:00 | 26:17

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-Pa.) has announced his intention to introduce the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act on June 30. The legislation directly addresses ongoing agricultural labor challenges through three main pillars: expanding access, controlling costs, and streamlining operations.

In this episode, we explore how this legislation addresses the agricultural labor crisis by reforming the H-2A visa program. Mike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer of the National Potato Council, breaks down the bill's three main pillars: expanding labor access, controlling Adverse Effect Wage Rate costs and streamlining federal regulations. Brett Jensen, NPC Vice President of Trade Affairs and owner of Brett Jensen Farms in Idaho Falls, Idaho, joins the conversation to share his firsthand experience running an operation that has relied on H-2A workers for 25 years.