RD283 - Virginia Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Board and Interagency Migrant Worker Policy Committee Biennial Report - 2008


Executive Summary:
The Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Board was established by the Legislature in 1978 with staff support assigned to the Virginia Employment Commission. In 1987, the Legislature transferred staff support to the Department of Labor and Industry where it remained until July, 2004. Effective July 1, 2004, the Legislature returned staff support to the Virginia Employment Commission. The following report provides a summary of issues addressed and activities conducted by the Board for the biennium ending June 30, 2008.

The Board serves to advise the Governor and General Assembly on matters relating to the migrant and seasonal farmworker (MSFW) population and the agricultural community in Virginia. Furthermore, it provides a public forum for the sharing of information and concerns amongst those who employ and provide services to the farmworker population. Board members appointed by the Governor and approved by the General Assembly may include migrant and seasonal farmworkers and crewleaders, representatives from the grower community, public and private agencies and interest groups or citizens concerned with migrant and seasonal farmworkers.

The Board has the authority to request and receive information, assistance and cooperation from public or private agencies, boards or individuals, to distribute or publish information; to request, receive and enter into agreements associated with grants or funding to further its purposes; and to establish citizen panels.