Farmers and ranchers recently met with USDA and the Department of Labor to address the ongoing labor shortage in agriculture.
The conversation focused on challenges tied to the H-2A visa program, wages, and the impact of labor scarcity on farms.
A North Carolina farmer shared her experience, stressing the critical role immigrant workers play in keeping her farm running.
“How much I could not farm without them, because I would not have a workforce. Also, how my wages have gone up due to the way the adverse wage effect affected North Carolina about three years ago, and then that following year, and how dependable we are in the United States on this to grow vegetable and fruit crops,” said Faylene Whitaker.
Whitaker also urges farmers to contact elected officials and share how labor shortages impact their farms and the need for a legal workforce.
Farmers should anticipate continued upward pressure on farm labor costs and monitor policy changes that may further impact hiring decisions.
September 24, 2025 01:01 PM
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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.
September 23, 2025 04:09 PM
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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.
September 18, 2025 01:10 PM
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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.
September 09, 2025 12:22 PM
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September 08, 2025 02:56 PM
August 07, 2025 10:46 AM
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“We just need a livable Visa program.”
