The American Association of AgLabor Providers (AAALP) opens Membership to Empower Farm Labor Contractors with Essential Resources for Growth and Compliance

First national trade association dedicated to supporting FLCs and recruiters through education and community

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Association of AgLabor Providers (AAALP) has officially launched as the first national trade association dedicated to supporting farm labor contractors (FLCs) and recruiters. Created to address the critical need for standardized education, guidance, and collaborative networks, AAALP aims to empower its members to embrace responsible recruitment and fair labor and enable them to demonstrate their ethical credentials to clients.

As the agricultural sector faces persistent labor challenges and an evolving legal landscape, FLCs and recruiters play a pivotal role in supplying essential labor to U.S. farms. Despite their critical importance, these businesses often lack access to capacity building and national-level support. As part of its mission, AAALP has identified key priorities to support its members and advance ethical labor practices. These priorities include enhancing reputation and market access, promoting industry professionalization, offering a network of like-minded, reputable businesses, and building relationships with key stakeholders.

"The commitment of AAALP members to fair recruitment and labor practices is not only admirable, but also an integral aspect of getting food to American tables without fail. AAALP helps members demonstrate that ethical practices lead to a stable workforce — benefiting agricultural producers, consumers, and workers by enhancing workplace well-being," explains Nikki Enersen, Association Lead.

Membership Benefits
By joining AAALP, members gain access to an array of benefits tailored to their needs, including:

• Comprehensive Training on Responsible Recruitment and Labor Management - Members have access to 12 interactive e-learning modules designed to provide in-depth knowledge of international, federal, and state legal requirements and standards. These modules ensure members are equipped to navigate the complexities of compliance while embedding ethical labor practices in their operations.
• Tailored Implementation Resources - AAALP offers customized resources to address the unique challenges faced by FLCs and recruiters, empowering them to implement best practices effectively and efficiently.
• Collaborative Industry Network -Membership provides entry into a community of like-minded professionals and industry leaders, fostering opportunities for knowledge-sharing, partnerships, and growth.
• Enhanced Credibility and Market Positioning - Members benefit from recognition within the industry, reinforcing their reputation as reputable providers and opening doors to expanded market opportunities.

Industry Impact
The benefits of engaging with AAALP and its members extend across the entire agricultural supply chain, offering value to growers, distributors, retailers, and buyers. By collaborating with AAALP, stakeholders can strengthen relationships across the supply chain, foster alignment with industry expectations, and mitigate labor risks. Importantly, they demonstrate a commitment to ethical and fair treatment of all workers, bolstering the reputation and marketability of products in a consumer landscape that increasingly values transparency and social responsibility.

Voices from Founding Members
Following the launch, AAALP is proud to welcome four new Founding Members. These pioneers have demonstrated their commitment to ethical labor practices and are helping to shape the future of the industry. Businesses joining AAALP in 2025 will be permanently recognized as Founding Members, securing their legacy as leaders in promoting responsible recruitment and labor practices in U.S. agriculture.

"For far too long, unscrupulous operators have created negative workplace environments, undermining trust and human dignity. AAALP presents a new opportunity to reshape the reputation of farm labor contracting by shining a light on compliance and ethical practices," says Eloy Garza, CEO of Garza Labor. "Becoming a founding member of AAALP aligns with my vision and my team's commitment to connecting with like-minded individuals who prioritize responsible recruitment and fair treatment."

Dana Deree, President of Arkansas Global Connect, echoes this sentiment: "At Arkansas Global Connect, we have built our foundation on the principle that ethical worker treatment drives business success. With thousands of seasonal professionals placed nationwide, we've witnessed how both workers and operations thrive under this approach. AAALP's work uniting employers committed to responsible recruitment is transforming our industry for the better."

Joe Martinez, CEO of CIERTO Global, highlights AAALP's alignment with his organization's mission: "As a Clearview-certified leader in ethical agricultural recruitment, CIERTO is proud to stand alongside AAALP as a founding member. This alliance marks a pivotal moment for the industry—one where responsible labor practices become the benchmark for success."

Lydia Hock, Founder, LaborMex, shares her perspective: "AAALP is laying the groundwork for a more just and sustainable labor model in agriculture by developing shared standards and providing practical tools that help raise the bar while making it achievable. These efforts are key to building trust among growers, workers, and regulators. At LaborMex, we hope to lead by example and show how ethical recruitment can scale, strengthen operations, enhance reputations, and most importantly, create life-changing opportunities for workers."

AAALP invites FLCs, recruiters, and stakeholders across the agricultural supply chain to join this transformative group. Be part of a future where ethical labor practices are the standard, and collaboration drives success.

About AAALP
The American Association of AgLabor Providers (AAALP) is a national non-profit trade association 501(c)(6) focused on championing and empowering labor providers, contractors, and recruiters in the agricultural sector through education, capacity-building assessments, and collaborative networks. AAALP promotes responsible recruitment, equitable labor standards, and ethical principles. AAALP was launched by Stronger Together US.

To learn more about AAALP and how to become a member, visit: https://aaalp.org/membership-benefits/

To learn about associate membership or to become a service provider, visit: https://aaalp.org/associate-membership/

About Stronger Together US
Stronger Together is an impact-driven, not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating a world where all workers are recruited responsibly and treated fairly, free from exploitation. Stronger Together supports businesses across supply chains, providing them with practical training, resources, tailored business services, and collaborative programs that help embed responsible recruitment and employment practices in operations and supply chains.

Media contact:
Veronica Ospina
[email protected] 

SOURCE Stronger Together