Tuesday's presidential election is top of mind for many Americans–including those in the fresh produce industry. Here are some of the pressing concerns for some in the industry ahead of this week's vote.
Labor is a critical issue that many in the agriculture business are concerned about. "Under whoever the new president is, we're hoping for more favorable labor arrangements for farms," says Brett Baker, president of United Apple Sales based in Lyndonville, New York. "We need better labor conditions, meaning a more economical labor force in agriculture. I'd also love to see from the new president a commitment to assisting the research and development towards greater forms of automation with the orchards. We need to get closer to mechanical harvesting."
Labor and immigration
At Westside Produce in Firebaugh, California, Garrett Patricio is frustrated to date by the lack of progress on immigration reform. "It's unfortunate that both political parties use this as a platform objective, but do nothing about it once elected. We need to recognize that migrant labor drives the produce industry," says Patricio, president of Westside Produce. "I'm all for border security, but failing to deal with those that are contributing domestically yet not recognized legally is unfortunate. The H2A program is full of holes and problems. I believe that both parties are to blame and pandering for votes without coming up with a solution is a travesty to the industry."
Photo: vote.gov
Back in apples, there are also hopes for more favorable trade opportunities. "We want to continue to see Poland, who has been trying to ship apples over, kept out of the United States until their proper due diligence is done regarding any pests, etc. for our orchards," says Baker. "They've been trying to do it saying they're part of the EU without taking the proper steps. It's been held off for a while and I would like to see that continue until they do their due diligence."
In fact, generally he'd like to see whoever forms government in the U.S. commit further to making sure fruit and vegetables grown domestically continue to do so. "Even if that takes some form of subsidizing–whether it's finding a way to help us with labor rates, etc. It's very important for food safety to know we have a large percentage of our food coming from our own country," says Baker.
Concerns over immediate events
Ryan Wahlen of Pleasant Valley Potato in Aberdeen, Idaho is concerned about the immediate and long-term effects of the election. "Everybody is holding their breath a little bit wondering about yes, who will win. However I'm also wondering about unforeseen events that might take place after the election happens," he says, noting those concerns include protests and more. "External events that disrupt the market are always concerning."
He is also waiting to see how demand develops once the election is finished. "I think people have been hesitant to buy more than they need. I think it's even affected Thanksgiving business somewhat," Wahlen says. "Some are a little bit late on their Thanksgiving orders. In general, there's just a bit of a sense of unease."
Inflation continues to be top of mind for those in the industry as well. "Because fresh produce is seasonal and because we have a perishable commodity, I think increased input costs probably have a bigger effect on us than it might on other industries. Other industries can warehouse product longer than we can. I think short-term cost increases affect us more," says Wahlen.
For more information:
Brett Baker
United Apple Sales
www.unitedapplesales.com
Garrett Patricio
Westside Produce
https://www.westsideproduce.com/
Ryan Wahlen
Pleasant Valley Potato
http://www.pleasantvalleypotato.com/