Meeting Agenda: May 14, 2026
- Welcome, grounding and introduction
- Program and agency updates
- H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers open discussion
- Impacts and pressures
- Next steps and action items
- Open forum
Welcome, Grounding, and Introductions
- Facilitator opening remarks
- Space for participations to share reflections and candid discussion
- Introductions and roundtable check-in
Program and Agency Updates
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Update
Hazard communication rulemaking
- Oregon OSHA is updating Hazard Communication standards to align with federal changes.
- Initial rule changes will primarily affect manufacturers before downstream users.
- Participants were encouraged to monitor developments because future labeling changes will eventually affect workers and employers.
Workplace violence rulemaking
- Oregon OSHA is currently engaged in rulemaking related to workplace violence in healthcare settings.
- While agriculture is not currently included, participants discussed monitoring the framework in case future expansion occurs into additional industries.
Agricultural labor housing rule rollout
OSHA provided updates on implementation of revised agricultural labor housing standards:
- Major changes regarding square footage and sink requirements will phase in during 2027–2028 (see
Fact Sheet 105)
- Current requirements already in effect include:
- Lockable storage
- Full mattress covers
- Notes:
- Significant engagement from operators seeking clarification
- Strong demand for interpretation guidance and real-world implementation support
- A revised checklist is now available online (Spanish checklistand
English checklist)
- Print is underway and copies will be available to order shortly
Participants discussed the importance of practical implementation support alongside regulatory compliance.
OHCS Agricultural Workforce Housing Tax Credit Update
Reported robust use of Agricultural Workforce Housing Tax Credits (AWHTC).
Current funding status
- Approximately $16.75 million is allocated biennially.
- Community-based project funding is nearly fully reserved.
- Only approximately $40,438 remained unallocated in the community-based pool at time of meeting.
Projects mentioned
Projects receiving or awaiting allocations included:
- Farmdale
- Downtown McMinnville Affordable Housing
- North Bend Family Housing Phase II
- Colonia del Valle Prospero Phase II (Albany)
- Young Street Project (Woodburn)
On-Farm Set-Aside
- 20% of total allocation reserved for on-farm projects
- Three on-farm projects were nearing approval
- Roughly $500,000 expected to be utilized this year
Challenges identified
Acknowledged:
- On-farm applications remain slower than desired
- Internal process mapping efforts are underway to streamline approvals
- Outreach barriers remain significant
Discussion focused on:
- Limited awareness among growers
- Administrative burden
- Perceived barriers to participation
- Urban/rural land use complications affecting housing feasibility
It was emphasized that lack of applications should not be interpreted as lack of need or interest, noting that many growers lack time or capacity to navigate applications after already managing extensive operational pressures.
OHCS staff encouraged participants to reach out directly to the OHCS technical advisory team for assistance with future housing projects or funding navigation.
H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers Open Discussion
Participants discussed:
- H-2A visa processing delays
- Housing availability constraints
- Urban/rural land use challenges
- Industry misconceptions regarding employer practices
Proposed inviting representatives from Worker and Farmer Labor Association (WAFLA) for a future briefing focused specifically on H-2A housing realities, processes, and misconceptions.
OHCS confirmed that WAFLA was invited but was unable to join. Agreed to revisit the topic during a future meeting.
Labor conditions and workforce concerns
Participants noted:
- Heavy dependence on reliable returning crews
- Concern about future labor shortages
- Growing importance of H-2A programs for some sectors
Columbia Gorge Fruit Growers reported:
- No major no-show patterns observed yet in the Columbia Gorge
- Some reports of H-2A processing delays
- Continued uncertainty regarding future harvest staffing
Impacts and Pressures: Fertilizer/Gas Costs, Visa Delays, ICE Activity
Economic Pressures
Participants described severe operational cost increases:
- Fertilizer prices rising substantially
- Diesel and freight/shipping costs nearly doubling in some cases
- Labor costs increasing
- Reduced consumer purchasing
Example was made: Oregon-to-New Jersey shipping costs increasing from roughly $6,000 to $14,000.
Farm Viability Concerns
Participants expressed serious concerns regarding:
- Farm closures
- Loss of multigenerational family farms
- Declining profitability
- Potential loss of on-farm workforce housing if farms are sold or converted
One person warned that:
- Some growers may shut down entirely because operations no longer “pencil out.”
- Long-term agricultural land could transition away from worker housing use.
A second shared examples of:
- Hay producers carrying unsold inventory
- Fertilizer expenses outpacing returns
- Farmers anticipating operating losses
A third discussed frustration with:
- Public misconceptions regarding agriculture
- Increasing regulatory and operational burdens
- Concerns that policymakers do not fully appreciate the severity of farm economic instability
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and immigration climate
Participants discussed:
- Concern surrounding immigration enforcement activity
- Anxiety among workers and employers
- Uncertainty regarding future labor impacts
One person noted that:
- Major visible enforcement activity appeared heavier during winter months
- No immediate major disruptions have yet been reported locally
Facilitator emphasized the value of continuing honest conversations about these pressures within the group.
Next Steps and Action Items
Follow-ups identified
OHCS to follow up with:
- Bureau of Labor and Industries and Oregon Department of Agriculture updates absent from meeting
- Prosperity Council recommendations
- WAFLA participation for future H-2A discussion
- Potential future participation from Department of Land Conservation and Development regarding land use considerations
Future discussion topics proposed
Potential future agenda topics:
- H-2A systems and housing
- Drought conditions and water access
- Agricultural land use
- Farm economic viability
- Workforce retention and coordination
Coordination opportunities
Oregon Employment Department invited participants to connect regarding:
- Employment law forums
- Worker outreach and education opportunities
- Migrant Seasonal Farmworker Program collaboration
Open Forum
Participants expressed appreciation for:
- Open discussion format
- Ability to speak candidly
- Continued cross-agency coordination
Facilitator closed by encouraging continued honesty and collaboration while navigating ongoing agricultural and workforce pressures.