(June 6, 2025)
Seasonal labor plays a critical role in meeting peak demand across the irrigation industry. For many employers, the H-2B visa program is the only viable path to hiring temporary workers when the domestic labor pool falls short. Yet the program remains limited, complex and chronically oversubscribed.
Why it matters
Irrigation contractors and green industry professionals account for nearly half of all H-2B visas granted each year. Without access to seasonal workers, many businesses face project delays, reduced capacity and lost revenue during their busiest months.
The H-2B program provides a legal, vetted workforce solution — but only if visas are made available in time and employers can navigate the process successfully.
What’s new in 2025
The Department of Homeland Security has once again approved a supplemental release of H-2B visas beyond the annual cap. While this is a positive development, the details of how and when these visas will be allocated remain pending. Delays in rulemaking have previously prevented workers from arriving on time, undermining the program’s intended benefit.
The IA continues to advocate for predictable, timely rulemaking and broader reforms that address longstanding challenges with the program.
Our position
The Irrigation Association supports meaningful H-2B reform as part of its broader commitment to workforce development. Our priorities include
- ensuring adequate visa availability tied to industry demand.
- improving the clarity and timing of application processes.
- reducing barriers for small and mid-sized businesses.
- supporting bipartisan legislative solutions that increase program stability.
We also engage as a member of the H-2B Workforce Coalition, bringing the voice of irrigation professionals into ongoing policy discussions.
What you can do
- Explore your options. Employers considering H-2B should consult experienced processing agents or immigration counsel.
- Engage with IA. Our team can connect you with coalition partners and policy updates.
- Share your experience. Real-world stories from the field help us build a stronger case for reform.
Resources
(June 4, 2025)
Skilled labor is in short supply — and training new talent isn’t cheap. That’s why the Irrigation Association is backing federal legislation that could make professional certification and career training significantly more affordable across the industry.
The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, now included in a major House tax bill, would allow workers and families to use 529 education savings accounts to pay for the kinds of credentials that matter in today’s workforce — like those offered by the IA.
What it means for the irrigation industry
Under current law, 529 accounts can be used for college degrees but not for professional credentials, testing fees, continuing education, or license renewal. That creates a barrier for workers looking to enter or advance in irrigation careers—and for employers trying to build qualified teams.
The Freedom to Invest Act would change that, allowing 529 plans to cover:
- certification tuition and prep courses (like CIC, CID, CLIA).
- exam fees and renewal costs.
- required equipment and materials.
For the irrigation industry, this opens up a new tool for workforce development. It helps:
- workers pay for training without going into debt.
- employers offer clearer, lower-cost career pathways.
- the industry attract and retain skilled talent in a competitive labor market.
Why IA supports it
The IA helped launch the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition to advocate for exactly this kind of reform. This legislation directly supports our Principles & Priorities by expanding access to IA certification programs and strengthening the professional standing of the irrigation workforce.
Whether you’re a business owner trying to hire, a team member looking to level up, or a student choosing a trade over a four-year degree—this policy helps make that possible.
Where it stands
The House Ways & Means Committee advanced the bill this week as part of a broader tax package. It could move to the House floor for a vote as early as next week. With over 160 bipartisan cosponsors, the bill is gaining traction in both chambers—and the coalition is working every angle to get it across the finish line. UPDATE 6/11/25: This bill was included in the tax package passed by the House and is currently under consideration by the Senate.
Learn more
(June 2, 2025)
In a labor market defined by competition and complexity, credentials are more than just a line on a résumé — they’re a signal of readiness. For employers, they’re a way to verify skill. For workers, they’re a path to advancement. And for the irrigation industry as a whole, they’re a key to building a more professional, reliable and respected workforce.
Why certification matters
IA certifications like the Certified Irrigation Contractor, Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor and Certified Irrigation Designer help ensure that workers in the field are not only qualified — but recognized as such.
Certification:
- signals a clear standard of competence and professionalism.
- reduces errors and rework by elevating best practices.
- enhances customer trust and business reputation.
- gives employers confidence in hiring and training decisions.
It also opens the door to policy recognition. Federal and state programs increasingly prioritize certified professionals when shaping rebate programs, regulatory requirements, and conservation initiatives.
Growing recognition
Thanks to IA advocacy, more agencies are recognizing the value of certified professionals in program eligibility, procurement, and workforce development planning. That includes:
- engagement with USDA NRCS, EPA WaterSense, and state agencies on certification inclusion.
- state licensure proposals that explicitly accept IA credentials as proof of competency.
- coalition efforts like the Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, which would allow 529 funds to cover certification costs.
These efforts reinforce the value of credentials not just within the industry, but in the eyes of regulators, legislators, and the broader public.
Investing in a stronger workforce
For business owners, investing in certification is a smart strategy. Credentialed employees deliver better results, stay longer, and help build a culture of professionalism that pays off in trust, referrals and reduced liability.
For workers, certification is a way to stand out, earn more, and access new opportunities — especially as industry expectations continue to rise.
Learn more about IA certification.