New Guidance Could Open H-2A Program to Dairy Industry
Published Friday, June 19, 2026
On June 17, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced new guidance from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, clarifying that dairy operations could be permitted within the H-2A guestworker program. The dairy industry has historically been locked out of the program due to previous interpretations that limited work to temporary or seasonal agricultural operations, with dairy being considered year-round work. The memo provides legal analysis from USCIS, the Justice Department and counsel from the U.S. Department of Labor, suggesting that in certain cases, dairy operations could legally be allowed to apply for H-2A workers. Despite the guidance, it remains unclear whether it is a true expansion into the dairy sector or whether approved cases will be more limited in nature. California Farm Bureau will provide more updates as we learn more.
Staff Contact: Matthew Viohl, mviohl@cfbf.com
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