Illinois Extension

Exploring H2A

Legal Training For Illinois Small Farms

Legal risks can be fatal to a farm business and addressing them proactively can keep farms in business. Just as important, understanding legal issues can dispel anxiety and help farmers realize their power to control their circumstances.

This is the first in a quarterly webinar series for Illinois small farmers including new, beginning, and urban farmers brought to you by Illinois Extension's Local Food Systems and Small Farms team and presented by Farm Commons.

Monday June 26, 2023 at 7 pm CST: Exploring H2A presented by Chloe Forkner Johnson, Staff Attorney, Farm Commons. The H-2A visa program makes it possible for farmers to bring in citizens of other countries for agricultural work in the United States. With a tight labor market, the visa program is experiencing a lot of growth – farmers who have never considered it before are taking a closer look. This program will help farmers assess whether H-2A might help address their labor shortage issues. We’ll also go over the extensive regulatory obligations that come with participation in this program. With human trafficking also on the rise, we’ll address key ways producers can guard against worker vulnerability in this program.

Cost: Free for Illinois farmers. 

Please register individually for each session of the series: 


University of Illinois • U.S. Department of Agriculture • Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Sarah Batka sbatka@illinois.edu or 217-300-8636

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