Category: Press Release

National Council of Agricultural Employers Spearheads Agricultural Coalition in Filing Supreme Court Amicus Brief with Southeastern Legal Foundation to Defend Farmers Against Bureaucratic Overreach

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National Council of Agricultural Employers Spearheads Agricultural Coalition in Filing Supreme Court Amicus Brief with Southeastern Legal Foundation to Defend Farmers Against Bureaucratic Overreach

Today, the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE), in partnership with the Southeastern Legal Foundation (SLF), filed an amicus brief in Department of Labor v. Sun Valley Orchards, LLC. NCAE organized a robust coalition of national and state agricultural organizations to join the filing before the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging an enforcement system that threatens the constitutional rights of agricultural employers across the country.

The case stems from enforcement actions taken by the U.S. Department of Labor against Sun Valley Orchards, a family-owned New Jersey farm that utilized the federal H-2A agricultural worker program. Following an investigation, the Department assessed approximately $550,000 in back wages and civil penalties. Rather than pursuing those penalties in an independent court, the Department adjudicated the case through its own in-house tribunal system.

NCAE President & CEO John Hollay said, “NCAE is grateful for the partnership with Southeastern Legal Foundation and a robust group of agricultural organizations from across the country in filing this amicus brief in support of Sun Valley and the rights of producers everywhere. The Supreme Court has the opportunity, and we believe the responsibility, to ensure that no farmer has to face the consequences which Sun Valley has faced in the fight to protect their basic constitutional rights.”

SLF President Kim Hermann said, “Farming is the backbone of the American economy. These hard workers face some of the most grueling and challenging physical labor just to provide the groceries that we all purchase with ease. Why a government agency would choose to make life harder for these people and impose truly ruinous fines is completely beyond me. We cannot take their hard work for granted, and that’s why we must fight to make sure the government isn’t making their lives harder by enforcing random fines.” 

Led by NCAE’s initiative to protect producers, the amicus brief argues that Congress never authorized the Department of Labor to create and operate its own courts for adjudicating disputes involving H-2A employers. The brief contends that while Congress authorized the Secretary of Labor to impose penalties and seek equitable relief when necessary to ensure compliance with the H-2A program, it did not establish agency courts, hearing procedures, review mechanisms, or the broader enforcement structure that now exists through agency regulation.

The coalition further argues that the Department’s interpretation would effectively allow the agency to act as rulemaker, prosecutor, judge, and collector of penalties, concentrating extraordinary power within a single agency. The brief maintains that if Congress intended to create such a system, it was required to do so explicitly.

The outcome of the case will affect agricultural employers nationwide who rely on the H-2A program to address labor shortages and sustain domestic food production. At issue is whether employers facing substantial government penalties are entitled to have those penalties adjudicated before an independent judge and jury, or whether federal agencies may instead resolve such disputes through internal administrative courts.

The amici joining the brief are:

  • AmericanHort
  • California Farm Bureau Federation
  • Florida Farm Bureau Federation
  • Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association
  • Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association
  • Idaho Dairymen’s Association
  • International Fresh Produce Association
  • National Association of Landscape Professionals
  • National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE)
  • National Onion Association
  • National Potato Council
  • New York State Horticultural Society
  • New York State Vegetable Growers Association
  • North Carolina Growers Association
  • North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
  • Texas Citrus Mutual
  • Texas International Produce Association
  • Texas Vegetable Association
  • Washington State Dairy Federation
  • Western Growers Association

Together, these organizations represent producers, growers, farmers, ranchers, landscapers, and agricultural employers across the United States. The coalition joined the brief because its members believe the Department of Labor must administer the H-2A program within statutory and constitutional limits while preserving the due process rights of agricultural employers.

About NCAE

Founded in 1964, NCAE is the only national association focusing exclusively on agricultural labor issues from the agricultural employer’s viewpoint.

About SLF

Southeastern Legal Foundation is a national, nonprofit legal organization dedicated to defending liberty and Rebuilding the American Republic®. Since 1976, SLF has gone to court for the American people when the government overreaches and violates constitutional rights.

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NCAE, Ag Community Share Support for Secretary Sonderling’s Nomination to Secretary of Labor

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NCAE, Ag Community Share Support for Secretary Sonderling’s Nomination to Secretary of Labor

The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) announced its strong support for the nomination of Keith E. Sonderling to serve as the permanent Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Leading a broad, nationwide coalition of ag stakeholders, NCAE transmitted a joint support letter to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) ahead of Thursday’s highly anticipated confirmation hearing, urging his swift approval. 

“American agriculture simply cannot function without a reliable, legal, and stable workforce,” explained John Hollay, NCAE’s President and CEO. “Our farmers, ranchers, growers, and producers deserve a Secretary of Labor who understands the critical importance of American agriculture and the operational realities of running a farm. Throughout his time at the Department, Secretary Sonderling has proven that he listens to agricultural employers, values compliance and education, and understands what it takes to help American agriculture thrive. As leaders of American Agriculture  from across the nation, we urge Chairman Cassidy, Ranking Member Sanders, and the entire U.S. Senate to swiftly confirm Secretary Sonderling so he can continue this vital work at full steam.” 

Currently serving as Acting Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Labor, Sonderling brings extensive federal regulatory experience to the role. His extensive record includes past service as Acting and Deputy Administrator of the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD), as well as a Commissioner and Vice Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). During his time leading WHD, Sonderling had direct experience navigating the complexities of H-2A enforcement, the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA), and the compliance burdens agricultural employers face.

As Deputy and now Acting Secretary, Sonderling has consistently prioritized regulatory relief for America’s agricultural employers. Notably, he ensured the Department release a critical interim final rule, Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants in Non-Range Occupations in the United States, 90 Fed. Reg. 47,914 (Oct. 2, 2025), to rein-in inflating wage requirements that were detached from economic reality. He has also overseen a proposed joint employer rule to provide agricultural employers, labor contractors, and farm labor associations with a single, predictable, and nationwide standard. 

NCAE’s stakeholder letter underscores that the H-2A program remains the primary lawful channel for meeting critical agricultural labor demands. The broad agricultural coalition signing onto the letter represents dozens of major national and regional organizations. As the Senate HELP Committee prepares to review Secretary Sonderling’s nomination, the agricultural community stands united behind him as a nominee who possesses direct experience with H-2A enforcement, the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, and the heavy compliance burdens facing America’s agricultural businesses. 

About NCAE

Founded in 1964, NCAE is the only national association focusing exclusively on agricultural labor issues from the agricultural employer’s viewpoint.

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NCAE Applauds Introduction of Bipartisan Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA) by Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson

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NCAE Applauds Introduction of Bipartisan Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA) by Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson

The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) strongly supports the introduction of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA) of 2026, a vital piece of bipartisan legislation championed by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA). If passed, SAWA would be the first major legislative effort in 40 years to comprehensively modernize the outdated H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program, providing long-overdue stability to America’s agricultural supply chain and safeguarding national food security.

“For decades, American farmers of all kinds have battled a broken, bureaucratic system just to secure the workforce needed to feed our nation, and the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act finally seeks to provide the reform Farmers, Consumers, and our Economy needs,” said John Hollay, President & CEO of the National Council of Agricultural Employers. “This bipartisan bill addresses head-on the exact challenges our organization and agricultural employers nationwide have focused on for years: expanding access for year-round sectors, implementing predictable cost controls, and streamlining the fractured program administration. We are incredibly grateful to Chairman Thompson for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to protecting American agriculture.”

The H-2A program, which has not seen statutory updates since its inception in 1986, has struggled to keep pace with modern farming realities. Despite skyrocketing demand—growing from fewer than 100,000 certified positions in 2013 to nearly 400,000 in 2025 due to a persistent lack of domestic labor—the program has remained plagued by costly, burdensome regulations and fractured agency oversight. SAWA steps in to fix these systemic flaws by expanding program access, introducing critical cost controls, and streamlining administrative hurdles. 

NCAE members, alongside several producers representing agricultural organizations nationwide, joined Chairman Thompson and other agricultural leaders at the announcement of the Act on Capitol Hill earlier today.

Statements from NCAE Leadership & Agricultural Producers:

Maureen Torrey, Torrey Farms:

“As the senior member of a 12th generation family farm located in Western New York, we are so pleased with Chairman Thompson’s introduction of the H2A Reform bill, the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act. For many years we have struggled to find enough employees to work on our farm despite offering many benefits and a stable workplace.”

“This bill will help ensure that the next farm generation will have a secure workforce in order to succeed. Our farm cannot survive or operate without the dedicated hardworking people who work with us to till and harvest the crops and care for our dairy animals. Our rural town cannot survive either, without a strong agricultural base. Because of this legislation, our customers, including retail, wholesale, schools, and food banks will have reliable fresh food grown here in the USA.”

Jim Saunders, Saunders Brothers:

“We are a 4th generation family farm in its 111th year of growing fruits and plants. This is the best opportunity that I have seen in my 30-plus years of coming to Washington to advocate for Congress to help the American farm to provide the labor that we desperately need in order to harvest and provide fresh fruits, delicious vegetables and beautiful plants that our country wants and needs. Our country needs American produced foods, it is a matter of national security.”

Key Reforms of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA):

  • Expanding Access: The bill removes the restrictive and outdated “seasonal” requirement, shifting the program focus to the temporary nature of job contracts (up to 350 days). This finally opens H-2A eligibility to vital year-round sectors like dairy, mushrooms, and controlled environment agriculture. It also grants authority to the Secretary of Agriculture to define agricultural labor and creates a strict pathway for existing unauthorized agricultural workers to legally enter the program.
  • Controlling Costs: SAWA brings much-needed wage stability by codifying the realistic, BLS-data-driven wage methodology of the 2025 Interim Final Rule (IFR). It implements a fair daily housing adjustment and prevents crippling, unpredictable wage spikes by capping annual fluctuations between a 3.5% increase and a 1.5% decrease. Compliance costs are further slashed through multi-year labor certifications and housing inspections.
  • Streamlining Operations: To eliminate costly bureaucratic delays between the Departments of Labor, Homeland Security, and State, SAWA mandates a unified online platform for all agency and employer interactions. By clarifying agency roles and injecting commonsense flexibilities for dynamic farming needs, the bill protects growers from missing critical planting and harvest windows. These changes are critical to the proper functioning of the H-2A program for both current users, and newly eligible employers

NCAE calls on Congress to swiftly advance this bipartisan legislation to support our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and consumers.

About NCAE

Founded in 1964, NCAE is the only national association focusing exclusively on agricultural labor issues from the agricultural employer’s viewpoint.

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NCAE Welcomes Administration Action Expanding H-2A Access for Dairy Farmers, Calls on Congress to Follow President Trump’s Lead

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NCAE Welcomes Administration Action Expanding H-2A Access for Dairy Farmers, Calls on Congress to Follow President Trump’s Lead

The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) celebrated President Trump’s administrative action clarifying that the dairy industry can further participate in the H-2A visa program. This long-overdue policy shift was announced in a statement from the Department of Agriculture which cited new guidance from the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor clarifying H-2A eligibility for the dairy industry. This guidance marks a significant victory for dairy farmers nationwide who have struggled under the constraints of a strictly seasonal program while managing year-round operations

“This is a welcomed policy change for our dairy members, and we are hopeful it is just the beginning of continued H-2A program expansion,” said John Hollay, NCAE President and CEO. “President Trump’s administration continues to take action to provide common sense solutions for American farmers in search of legal workers at a time when U. S. workers are not willing to do the job. By opening the door for the dairy industry to take advantage of the only legal program for foreign agricultural workers, President Trump continues to move us in a direction of needed reform.”

While celebrating this major administrative victory, NCAE emphasizes that the work is just beginning. Transitioning a sector like dairy into the H-2A program will require a robust, coordinated effort across the federal government. For the H-2A program to successfully accommodate this new influx of program users, the Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Department of State will require significant structural support and sufficient funding to ensure the program operates as intended for current and new users.

“For this expansion to succeed and the H-2A program to work as intended, our federal agencies must have the resources and regulatory structures necessary to handle the increased volume efficiently. NCAE looks forward to working with the administration and congressional leaders to ensure the H-2A program is reformed to meet the needs of all producers and that it receives the structural support required to protect our food supply chain. Furthermore, we hope this historic administrative step paves the way for further access for the dairy industry into the program, as well as parity among other vital agricultural industries, such as mushrooms, livestock, and controlled environment agriculture, who face similar year-round labor challenges and currently lack access to the program.”

“With the H-2A program now opening its doors to dairy operations, navigating the regulatory landscape will be a top priority for producers looking to utilize this benefit. NCAE stands ready to guide new dairy applicants through the complex H-2A program, offering the specialized expertise, advocacy, and compliance support needed to secure a stable workforce.”

The Idaho Dairymen’s Association, a key member of NCAE, also weighed in with appreciation for the administration’s action. “The Idaho Dairymen’s Association thanks the Trump Administration for the Guidance on Temporary or Seasonal Need for H-2A Petitions for Dairying just issued,” said Rick Naerebout, CEO of Idaho Dairymen’s Association. “The new guidance acknowledges the flexibility that Idaho dairy producers believe has existed on the definitions of temporary work periods and seasonal jobs in the H-2A visa program. While there is more work to be done to ease the farm labor crisis, this move can help dairy farmers keep food safe and affordable for all Americans.”

Dairy farmers and agricultural employers interested in navigating this new landscape are encouraged to join NCAE to access exclusive compliance resources and industry-leading guidance. For more information on membership, visit ncaeonline.org.

About NCAE

Founded in 1964, NCAE is the only national association focusing exclusively on agricultural labor issues from the agricultural employer’s viewpoint.

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NCAE Briefing Bridges Gap Between Farm Realities and Capitol Hill in Agricultural Labor Briefing

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NCAE Briefing Bridges Gap Between Farm Realities and Capitol Hill in Agricultural Labor Briefing

Yesterday, June 2, 2026, the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) successfully hosted a special educational webinar titled “Fields, Farms, and the Hill: A Congressional Briefing on the State of Ag Labor.” The interactive webinar, co-hosted by Representative Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and Representative Donald G. Davis (NC-01), aimed to arm congressional staffers, agricultural leaders, and stakeholders with vital insights into the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Visa Program.

Led by Tom Bortnyk, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of másLabor, and moderated by NCAE President and CEO John Hollay, the session provided a deep dive into the practical administration of the program. A key focus of the discussion highlighted the common, real-world issues and complex casework challenges currently experienced by farmers and ranchers across the nation who rely on the H-2A program to sustain their operations.

“Effective policy does not evolve in a vacuum,” said John Hollay, NCAE’s President and CEO. “This briefing was a vital opportunity to connect Washington decision-makers and staffers with the actual terrain of American agriculture. By opening this direct line of communication with congressional offices, we are ensuring that future legislative and oversight efforts are grounded in the real-world experiences of agricultural employers.”

In addition to addressing day-to-day farm workforce realities, the briefing tackled the shifting regulatory landscape, including the Department of Labor’s Interim Final Rule and how congressional offices can best handle constituent inquiries.

Access the Webinar Recording

For those who were unable to attend the live event, a recording of the presentation is now available for Congressional staffers, agricultural policy advisors, NCAE membership, and the general public.

  • Watch the Recap: You can view the full webinar recording on YouTube by filling out a brief form here: ncaeonline.org/resources/webinars/.
  • Additional Resources: For more updates and information regarding agricultural labor advocacy, visit the NCAE website at ncaeonline.org.

About NCAE

Founded in 1964, NCAE is the only national association focusing exclusively on agricultural labor issues from the agricultural employer’s viewpoint.

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NCAE to Co-Host H-2A Visa Program Briefing for Congressional Staff

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NCAE to Co-Host H-2A Visa Program Briefing for Congressional Staff

“Fields, Farms, and the Hill: 

A Congressional Briefing on the State of Ag Labor”

The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) is pleased to announce a special installment of its educational webinar series which will arm congressional staffers with the critical information they need to know about the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Visa Program and current casework challenges that farmers and workers are experiencing.

On Tuesday June 2, 2026, from 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Eastern, NCAE will host “Fields, Farms, and the Hill: A Congressional Briefing on the State of Ag Labor.” The webinar will be co-hosted by Representative Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and Representative Donald G. Davis (NC-01).  The interactive webinar will be led by Tom Bortnyk, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of másLabor and moderated by John Hollay, NCAE’s President and CEO. Tom will walk staffers through all aspects of the program, challenges offices are facing regarding constituent casework, the Department of Labor’s Interim Final Rule, and how staffers can best be prepared to handle legislative inquiries from agricultural employers.

“The H-2A program is a lifeline for America’s farmers and ranchers, providing the essential legal workforce necessary to sustain our agricultural operations and secure our national food supply,” said Hollay. “Because agricultural labor policy is heavily regulated and increasingly complex, it is imperative that congressional staffers understand the day-to-day intricacies of this program. Staffers are often the first point of contact for constituent casework and play a crucial role in shaping policy. Their active engagement and deep understanding of the H-2A program are vital to fostering a system that truly works for agricultural employers and the communities they support.”

As the agricultural sector continues to face unprecedented workforce challenges and shifting regulatory landscapes, this briefing aims to bridge the gap between the realities on the farm and the policy discussions happening on Capitol Hill.

The webinar will begin at 1:00 PM ET/10:00 AM PT on Thursday, June 2, 2026. This briefing is open to all congressional staff. Recordings of the webinar presentation will be available to agricultural policy advisors, and key stakeholders interested in the future of agricultural labor upon the conclusion of the webinar. Additional information, including registration details, is available on the NCAE website at ncaeonline.org.

About NCAE

Founded in 1964, NCAE is the only national association focusing exclusively on agricultural labor issues from the agricultural employer’s viewpoint.

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NCAE Responds to Order Denying Preliminary Injunction

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NCAE Responds to Order Denying Preliminary Injunction

Arlington, VA – Thursday, May 14, 2026

The U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of California has released an order denying the United Farm Workers’ request for Preliminary Injunction in the litigation against the Department of Labor (DOL) on the DOL Interim Final Rule. In the order, the Judge found that the UFW failed to demonstrate irreparable harm, and thus denied their request for preliminary injunction to halt the enforcement of the rule. The Interim Final Rule stands in effect as a result.

“We applaud the Court’s decision to deny the UFW’s request for preliminary injunction on the Department’s AEWR Interim Final Rule,” said John Hollay, NCAE’s President and CEO. “For too long, employers have been forced to pay wages that were detached from economic reality and put American agriculture at strategic disadvantage on the international market. That is why NCAE, with the support of the California Farm Bureau Federation, filed an Amicus Brief in support of the Trump Administration. The DOL IFR levels the playing field for America’s farmers, ranchers and growers. We are deeply appreciative that the Court in California denied this motion which would have wreaked havoc on H-2A employers during a busy growing season.”

About the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE)

NCAE is the only national association focusing exclusively on agricultural labor issues from the employer’s perspective. NCAE is the voice of agricultural employers on employment, safety, and labor law issues and is dedicated to providing American farmers and ranchers with the best available information, tools, and advocacy for managing their workforce.

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NCAE to Host “Preventing Paperwork Pitfalls: Essential I-9 Compliance for Agricultural Employers”

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NCAE to Host “Preventing Paperwork Pitfalls: Essential I-9 Compliance for Agricultural Employers”

Arlington, VA – Tuesday, April 28, 2026

The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) is pleased to announce a new educational webinar, “Preventing Paperwork Pitfalls: Essential I-9 Compliance for Agricultural Employers.” This event is designed to equip agricultural employers with the essential knowledge and practical tools needed for I-9 compliance so they can avoid common pitfalls and implement best practices for their agricultural operation.

“Properly filling out and maintaining I-9 forms is a critical compliance area for all agricultural employers, yet it remains a common source of audits and penalties,” said John Hollay, NCAE’s President and CEO. “We are thrilled to pair together expert legal acumen with day-to-day operational know-how to help our members confidently navigate these requirements.”

The interactive webinar will be led by Ryan Ayres of FirstFruits Farms and Cynthia Yarbrough of Fisher Phillips. John Hollay will facilitate the discussion. The webinar will take place on May 14th from 2:00 to 2:30 PM ET.

Ryan is the Director of Human Resources for the largest Opal apple grower, FirstFruits Farms, and the owner of Desert Management Services, providing growers with assistance and guidance for each step of the H-2A process.  Ryan has served in various consulting, accounting, and human resource leadership roles over the past 20 years and currently serves as NCAE’s H-2A Committee Chairman and Executive Committee Vice Chairman.

Cynthia is an Immigration partner in the Fisher Phillips Atlanta office and a member of the firm’s Immigration Practice Group. Her practice focuses on business immigration, representing domestic and multinational employers before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) and the U.S. Department of State.

This webinar is announced following a recent update from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that lowered the threshold and increased fines on common I-9 infractions. With penalties now ranging from $288 to $2,861 per violation, agricultural employers must be more vigilant than ever. Under this new penalty system, seemingly minor administrative oversights are now classified as substantive errors that can trigger severe financial consequences.

Participants will be eligible to receive a half (.5) Professional Development Credit from the Society for Human Resource Management upon completion of the webinar. Additional information about the webinar, including registration details, is available on the NCAE website at ncaeonline.org. To claim SHRM credit or for more information about the webinar or to register, please contact Susan Lester, NCAE’s Director of External Affairs and Operations.

About NCAE

Founded in 1964, NCAE is the only national association focusing exclusively on agricultural labor issues from the agricultural employer’s viewpoint.

 

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Jeanne Malitz to Serve as Secretary of NCAE Executive Committee

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Jeanne Malitz to Serve as Secretary of NCAE Executive Committee

Arlington, VA – Tuesday, April 21, 2026

The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) is pleased to announce the election of Jeanne Malitz to its Executive Committee, where she will serve in the critical leadership role of Secretary. She brings a deep understanding of the agricultural workforce landscape and a wealth of legal expertise to NCAE’s Executive Committee. In her role as Secretary, Malitz will help guide the strategic direction of the NCAE as it continues to advocate on behalf of agricultural employers across the United States.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jeanne to the Executive Committee leadership team,” said John Hollay, NCAE’s President & CEO. “Her unwavering commitment to the agricultural community and deep knowledge of the intricacies of agricultural workforce issues make her an invaluable asset to NCAE. Jeanne’s perspective will be vital as we continue to champion policies that support agricultural employers and ensure a stable, legal workforce for American agriculture.”

Joel Anderson, Chairman of the Executive Committee and owner of Anderson Immigration Law, emphasized the strength Malitz adds to the committee’s leadership. “Jeanne’s stellar reputation in the agricultural workforce community precedes her,” Anderson stated. “Having her step into the role of Secretary strengthens our committee’s ability to navigate the complex regulatory and operational challenges facing the agricultural community today. We look forward to working closely with her to advance our shared goals.”

“I am deeply honored,” said Malitz, “to be elected as the incoming Secretary of the National Council for Agricultural Employers. Over the past two decades, I have been closely involved with NCAE and have seen firsthand the organization’s growth and significant influence on agricultural policy. I look forward to serving alongside President John Hollay and the Executive Committee as we continue advancing NCAE’s mission and national leadership within agriculture.”

Malitz is the principal of MalitzLaw, Inc., a boutique law firm specializing in employment-based immigration matters. MalitzLaw, Inc. has a national presence representing employers on a wide variety of immigration-related matters with an emphasis on permanent labor certification and temporary labor certification for agricultural employers.

For more information about the National Council of Agricultural Employers and its leadership team, please visit NCAE’s website.

About NCAE

Founded in 1964, NCAE is the only national association focusing exclusively on agricultural labor issues from the agricultural employer’s viewpoint.

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Susan Lester Promoted to Director of External Affairs and Operations at National Council of Agricultural Employers

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Susan Lester Promoted to Director of External Affairs and Operations at National Council of Agricultural Employers

Arlington, VA – Monday, March 9, 2026

The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) is pleased to announce the promotion of Susan Lester from Manager of Association Services, to her newly appointed role of Director of External Affairs and Operations. In this expanded role, Lester will join President & CEO John Hollay on the Council’s public-facing initiatives, and will also lead efforts to drive strategic communications and oversee internal operations to better serve NCAE’s community nationwide.

During her tenure as Manager of Association Services, Lester has been instrumental in modernizing member communications, growing event attendance and tradeshow participation, and enhancing member resources. Her transition to Director of External Affairs and Operations marks a critical step in advancing NCAE’s mission to fiercely advocate for America’s agricultural employers.

“Susan has been an integral asset to NCAE and our members. She has rightfully earned her place as a leader of this organization and within the agricultural community,” said John Hollay, President and CEO of NCAE. “Her commitment and connection to the industry we serve, alongside her organizational knowledge and expertise, make her exceptionally qualified to take NCAE to the next level.”

In her new capacity, Lester will work closely with industry partners to amplify the voice of America’s farmers and ranchers. Additionally, she will manage the daily operations of the association, ensuring that member services continue to operate efficiently and effectively.

“America’s agricultural community is driven by unmatched heart and hustle, and I am deeply grateful for their faith in me as I take on this new role at such a pivotal time for agricultural employers,” said Lester. “I look forward to working hard for them, amplifying their stories, expanding our outreach, strengthening our operational foundations, and continuing to advocate for America’s farmers and ranchers.”

About the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE)

NCAE is the only national association focusing exclusively on agricultural labor issues from the employer’s perspective. NCAE is the voice of agricultural employers on employment, safety, and labor law issues and is dedicated to providing American farmers and ranchers with the best available information, tools, and advocacy for managing their workforce.

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