As immigration policy remains a major focus of the second Trump administration, farm leaders across the U.S. are urging policymakers to recognize the vital role of guest workers in agriculture. Industry leaders warn that mass deportations and workforce instability could threaten food production, rural economies, and the livelihoods of both farmers and farmworkers.
Shawn Harding, a supporter of the H-2A guest worker program, emphasized the labor-intensive nature of key crops such as sweet potatoes, blueberries, and Christmas trees. He stressed that without a reliable labor force, food supply chains would suffer. Harding noted that while the H-2A program has its shortcomings, it remains critical for meeting labor demands. He also called for reforms that protect workers while ensuring that farmers have the labor needed to sustain production.
While reports suggest unease among some farm employees, the California Farm Bureau has stated that it has not observed widespread workforce disruptions in the state. Representing more than 26,000 farm and ranch families, the bureau remains in close contact with farmers to monitor labor concerns. Bryan Little, senior director of policy advocacy at the California Farm Bureau, underscored the importance of protecting farmworkers. He stressed that farm employees are more than just workers—they are partners in the industry, contributing significantly to food production across the country.
California accounts for one-third of the nation's agricultural workforce, with farm laborers playing a key role in planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops. Any disruption in the workforce, Little warned, could leave crops unharvested, harm rural businesses, and drive up food prices nationwide. He noted that the interdependence between agriculture and rural economies is significant, as many industries, including food processing, transportation, and equipment suppliers, rely on the steady flow of agricultural work.
Labor shortages have been a longstanding issue for U.S. agriculture, and uncertainty surrounding immigration policy has only heightened concerns. Farm leaders argue that comprehensive, bipartisan workforce solutions are needed to ensure food security and economic stability. They have called for modernizing the H-2A visa program to make it more flexible for farmers and ranchers, providing legal status for experienced agricultural workers, and crafting immigration policies that reflect the realities of farming in states like California, where workforce stability is essential.
While the Farm Bureau supports lawful immigration enforcement, it cautioned against broad deportation measures that do not consider the industry's need for a stable workforce. Little emphasized that without a reliable workforce, the foundation of the agricultural economy could be undermined. He stated that the California Farm Bureau, along with national agricultural organizations, will continue working with policymakers, worker advocates, and industry leaders to promote solutions that protect farmworkers, stabilize the industry, and secure America's food supply.