YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

Help wanted to address the U.S. farm labor crisis

By Gary Joiner
Publisher

Leaders of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture recently formed a bipartisan Agricultural Labor Working Group to investigate the labor challenges facing America’s farmers and ranchers.

Let’s hope the effort is successful. A solution to our nation’s farm labor crisis is long overdue.

Labor is one of the largest limiting factors facing agriculture. A skilled, reliable workforce is needed to help grow and raise our sustainable food supply.

A system that provides long-term stability is critical. Meaningful reform to our nation’s guestworker visa program would provide security to farmers and ranchers and their employees.

Farm work is challenging, often seasonal and transitory. With fewer and fewer Americans growing up on the farm, it’s increasingly difficult to find American workers attracted to these kinds of jobs.

Not all farm labor can be replaced by machines either. There are certain farm jobs that require a human touch.

U.S. agriculture needs anywhere from 1.5 - 2 million hired workers, and there is a shortage in the workforce.

Texas farmers and ranchers have had a “Help Wanted” sign out far too long.

The preceding commentary is brought to you by Texas Farm Bureau, the “Voice of Texas Agriculture.” Called “Your Texas Agriculture Minute,” TFB will issue thought-provoking editorials each week—via print and audio—to spark understanding of agriculture in the Lone Star State and its impact on each and every Texan.

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