The Honey Bee Health Coalition (HBHC) has published a new resource to help beekeepers understand and successfully navigate the H-2A process for securing seasonal workers. The two-page guide, titled “Tips for Getting the H-2A Process Started Right,” provides clear, actionable steps for beekeepers to meet labor needs while remaining in compliance with H-2A program requirements.
The H-2A program allows beekeepers to request foreign workers when U.S. labor is unavailable for seasonal or temporary work. HBHC’s new guide outlines the key stages of the H-2A application process, including filing job orders, recruiting domestic workers, meeting housing requirements, and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
“As labor needs in beekeeping continue to grow, the H-2A program can be an important tool for operations of all sizes,” said Matt Mulica, senior project director at Keystone Policy Center, which facilitates the Honey Bee Health Coalition. “This resource is designed to make the process more approachable for beekeepers, whether they’re exploring H-2A for the first time or looking to streamline their existing approach.”
Highlights of the resource include:
- A step-by-step overview of the H-2A process, from initial job orders to final housing inspections.
- Tips for understanding and verifying terms in the ETA- 790A work contract.
- Important compliance requirements for wages, worker recruitment, and record-keeping.
To access the new guide, see https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/
