The U.S. House Ag Committee held hearings last week on the impact immigration issues have on farm and ranch labor. Chairman Collin Peterson from Minnesota said labor availability is one of the top concerns he hears from ag producers across the country. He said Congress must come to understand the scope and depth of the problem.
“If we don’t have enough farm laborers, the great bounty of American agriculture will wither on the vine, so this issue cannot go unresolved,” Peterson said during the hearing.
Ranking minority member Bob Goodlatte of Virginia said workers need access to “stable, legal, temporary employment.” He believes it is possible for Congress to simultaneously streamline the guest worker program, reduce illegal immigration and protect the U.S. borders.