Wednesday, August 22, 2012
California Farm Labor Shortage
California Farm Labor Shortage 'Worst It's Been, Ever'
There's a different sort of drought plaguing California, the nation's largest farm state. It's $38 billion agricultural sector is facing a scarcity of labor.
Migrant workers weed lettuce seed plants at an organic produce farm near Fresno, California. "This year is the worst it's been, ever," said Craig Underwood, who farms everything from strawberries to lemons to peppers, carrots, and turnips in Ventura County.
Some crops aren't get picked this season due to a lack of workers.
"We just left them in the field," he said.
The Western Growers Association told CNBC its members are reporting a 20 percent drop in laborers this year. Stronger border controls are keeping workers from crossing into the U.S. illegally, and the current guest worker program is not providing enough bodies. (Related: Massive US Drought Leads to Worst Fears for Corn Crop.)
"We have 100 fewer people this year," said Sergio Diaz, who provides workers under contract for growers. "We're having difficulty finding people to do this work."
The lack of workers is forcing farmers to pay more. In one of Underwood's fields, pickers are harvesting peppers for $9.25 a hour, or $5 a bucket, whichever is more. Craig Underwood said his workforce is aging and starting to retire, and no one is coming in to replace them.
When asked if any local residents have come out to apply to work in the fields, Craig Underwood replied, "None. Absolutely none." He is even having trouble finding truck drivers and other semi-skilled labor for jobs that pay $12-$18 an hour.
"The downturn should be helping us," Underwood said.
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I thought the Dems said we needed illegals to do the work that Americans aren't willing to do? Evidently they aren't willing to do it either. For a minimum wage of $10 an hour and actually $20 an hour for a fast picker.
ReplyDeleteBut why would an illegal want to do back breaking work in CA or anywhere else now given all of the Welfare benefits they get these days AND the other jobs they can and DO compete with Americans for.
With the high unemployment rate it would be reasonable to think that there would be an abundance of willing workers.
ReplyDeleteSo I might ask,why the problem?
I must admit that I hate to answer my own question,but.
We Currently Have An Administration in Power That Believes In Paying People NOT TO WORK.
When the government is willing to provide FREE or almost free Cell phone service,free internet service,free health care,free housing,and on and on,WHY IN THE HELL SHOULD YOU WORK?
This is disgusting,the liberal mentality is destroying the American work ethic.
I had read and posted about a similar situation in Alabama for tomato farmers. The farmers interviewed did say it was hard work, but that once pickers developed their techniques, they could earn something like $150 - $250/day. Granted, it is seasonal work.
ReplyDeleteBoth good points you guys make, if an accurate depiction. 'Free' money, if it is close to earned money, will win out.
Jean
This article came out after I posted this topic. Illegals are collecting 7 Billion dollars just from one program. Believe me, that community knows every trick in the book. Passed on from one person to another. This isn't the only program. Much of the money isn't even spent in our country, it's sent to Mexico. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/08/22/illegal-immigrants-could-reap-more-than-7b-in-tax-credits-this-year-senator/
ReplyDeleteOne of my sons picked watermelons along with the immigrant labor this summer. He wasn't making $10/hr. Maybe I'll have to send him over to California next summer if he can really make $20/hr picking something easy like peppers!
ReplyDelete