The US agricultural sector is growing increasingly alarmed by the recent raids on undocumented immigrants by the nation’s immigration authorities. The industry is particularly dependent on foreign workers. Over the past week, there have been hundreds of arrests made in six states, at least. This has left undocumented workers fearful of traveling, and farmers uncertain whether hiring is worth the risk, according to advocate groups for both demographics.
A dwindling labor supply has already been a problem for farmers in the western US for many years. This is partly due to tightened border security, according to Uesugi Farms’ Gilroy general manager, Pete Aiello. He fears that the situation is likely to worsen in 2017 and that there may not be enough contractors for his company.
Aiello says the mood in the industry is one of ‘significant trepidation’. Over 50 percent of farm workers in the US are undocumented immigrants, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The threat of deportation against undocumented immigrants made by President Donald Trump could see labor shortages for companies and growers. Studies by the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau suggest that this would result in higher grocery bills.
The recent raids were related to the executive order issued by President Trump, on 25 January. Kristi Boswell, the director of congressional relations at the Washington-based trade group, The Farm Bureau, says that labor issues are creating real anxiety in the country, with farmers forced into making difficult decisions.