Steube Introduces Legislation to Combat Rising Food Prices for American Families

Press Release

U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced the Keep Food Local & Affordable Act to combat the recent rise in food prices experienced across the country due to historic labor shortages and inflation. This legislation would implement a temporary stay on the H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for states struggling to find domestic workers to help stabilize U.S. food prices and ensure food production stays in the U.S.

"Inflation has risen rapidly over the past year, increasing food and labor costs for Americans and farmers," Steube said. "Biden's inept leadership and reckless economic policies have created historic inflation and an unemployment and supply chain disaster that is leaving our grocery store shelves and wallets empty. The temporary stay placed on the H-2A AEWR will help address the rising input costs crippling our farmers and consumers."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, food prices increased 4.6% from September 2020 to September 2021, impacting the ability of Americans, particularly low to moderate income earners, to put food on the table. Americans have also seen their fuel prices rise by as much as 100%, and producers have seen their fertilizer prices increase by roughly 60% in Florida. Due to widespread inflation, the 2022 AEWR is expected to rise significantly, increasing U.S. food production costs and exacerbating the ongoing labor crisis. For reference, the AEWR increased over 20% over the last 5 years when inflation remained below 2.5%. The Keep Food Local & Affordable Act would implement a temporary stay on AEWR increases, which will maintain more reasonable input costs for farmers and keep food costs lower for Americans.

Source