Immigration is top of mind for the White House. President Trump has indicated recently that he is open to exploring ways to get foreign workers onto farms legally.
The National Milk Producers Federation says that it is encouraging news, but warns that there is a lot at stake right now, affecting different industries.
According to Chris Galen, “That affects dairy. It affects the meat-packing industry. It affects horticulture. Further down the food chain, it affects folks who work in hotels and restaurants.”
He adds that deportations have not been at the pace they were expecting, and says that the group will wait to see how the summer plays out.
Related Stories
Secretary Rollins’ plan targets high costs, labor challenges, and export growth, delivering relief at home while building markets abroad.
Farmers should anticipate continued upward pressure on farm labor costs and monitor policy changes that may further impact hiring decisions.
Kevin Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance joined us Tuesday to share his perspective on farm safety and risk management during fall harvest.
U.S. produce growers face a structural disadvantage—cheaper imports driving down prices while rising labor costs squeeze margins. Without new policies or technology, profitability remains uncertain.
According to the National Council of Farmers Cooperatives (NCFC), President and CEO Chuck Conner says, there is only one other option besides addressing ag labor shortages.
For rural communities, this shift could mean new housing options for farmworkers and young families priced out of metro markets.
Bottom line: Despite all the efforts advocates make, workers are still making less money.
Labor is an ongoing crisis in the ag sector. One industry group outlines three vital reforms to the H-2A visa program that farmers need to secure an affordable, stable workforce.
