Monday, they heard from local ranchers, farmers and agricultural leaders who testified before the house agriculture committee.
The committee is in the process of writing the bill which is expected to be introduced in Congress in 2012.
Local farmers say one of their top concerns is access to an adequate labor force.
"Growers need a sufficient, stable and legal supply of workers to produce pack and market specialty crops to consumers. Without reliable and legal labor our industry will eventually be forced off shore or outsourced to where labor is available," said Modesto farmer Paul Van Konyenburg.
Fresno was one of several cities selected as a hearing site. Other hearings will be held in Idaho, Wyoming, and Iowa.
