Michigan's fruit and vegetable producers are encountering operational difficulties, with some exiting the industry, according to experts. Theresa Sisung of the Michigan Farm Bureau highlighted that apple, cherry, and asparagus growers, among others, are dealing with steep labor cost increases and worker shortages, alongside heightened import competition. She noted that labor costs for H2A visa holders have surged by nearly 60% over the past decade due to federal wage mandates. Concurrently, the influx of year-round crop imports has intensified competition, benefiting from lower labor costs abroad. "They can bring those products in here sometimes cheaper than what we can grow — many times cheaper — than what we can grow them for here in our state," Sisung remarked.
Nate Chesher from the Cherry Marketing Institute also pointed to soaring labor expenses, now over $18 an hour, and rising costs for chemicals, gasoline, and electricity, describing the situation as a "perfect storm for challenges." Advocacy efforts are underway to stabilize H-2A visa wages, aiding farmers in financial planning. Meanwhile, Sisung expressed concerns over growers shifting to less labor-intensive crops or leaving agriculture. The ongoing scenario prompts a critical evaluation of domestic specialty crop cultivation versus increased reliance on imports.
Source: michiganpublic.org