Farmers Discuss Labor Struggles and Wage Hikes with Congress
Labour remains one of the most pressing issues for U.S. agriculture. Farmers recently met with members of Congress to shed light on how rising wages and limited worker availability are affecting farm operations. Their goal was to advocate for solutions that support sustainable agriculture.
Many farms that grow fruits and vegetables depend heavily on manual labour, especially during harvest.
With few local workers willing to take on these jobs, producers have turned to immigrant workers through the H-2A visa program. Despite efforts, finding a reliable local workforce has not been successful for most farms.
The concern grows with the rising Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), which dictates the wages paid to H-2A workers. This rate is increasing faster than the general inflation rate, placing a heavy burden on farmers. In some cases, labor accounts for up to 60% of total farm expenses.
While the cost of labor is rising sharply, prices for many crops have remained the same. This economic pressure makes it difficult for farmers to break even, much less grow their operations. If these trends continue, producing food domestically will become harder each year.
Farmers called on lawmakers to understand the reality on the ground and work towards solutions that protect U.S. agriculture. They believe meaningful conversations are needed to ensure food security and fair working conditions.