Harvest worker shortage concerns Florida citrus industry
Harvest worker shortage concerns Florida citrus industry
From 2 million to 6 million Florida-produced oranges may remain on citrus trees in the state in the coming year because of the current labor situation, according to Liz Compton, spokesperson for the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. "It looks as though it could be a very tight situation as we head into the 2005-06 season."
Ms. Compton explained that migrant workers are fearful of recent immigration talks in Washington, DC. Many have returned to their native countries for the time being, fearful of losing the right to work in the United States in the future. Many of those who have not left the area are making more money working in construction, much of which is related to hurricane rebuilding efforts.
Charles H. Bronson, Florida's commissioner of agriculture, said that the entire produce industry in Florida could be affected in the future, not only the citrus crop.
"Commissioner Bronson said that the problem will escalate tremendously when the winter season is upon us," said Ms. Compton. "Florida produces the vast majority of the nation's winter vegetables, so the potential impact is huge. Adding to the problem is that specialty crops are easily bruised by mechanical harvesters, so migrant labor is critical in this category."
Ms. Compton said that Mr. Bronson does not support blanket amnesty for illegal immigrants because he feels it is not fair to those who do follow the rules and abide by the laws. Realistically, however, he said that some sort of guest worker program is critical to avoid food shortages.
"If their crops are not harvested, producers will be inspired to sell out to developers who are offering high prices for their land," continued Ms. Compton. "The result will be less agricultural land in the state, less green space and more infrastructure demands for new developments. Commissioner Bronson also believes that state-by-state regulations will not work because migrant labor moves around. He feels that representatives in Congress need to quit posturing to their constituents and address this critical issue."
Ms. Compton explained that migrant workers are fearful of recent immigration talks in Washington, DC. Many have returned to their native countries for the time being, fearful of losing the right to work in the United States in the future. Many of those who have not left the area are making more money working in construction, much of which is related to hurricane rebuilding efforts.
Charles H. Bronson, Florida's commissioner of agriculture, said that the entire produce industry in Florida could be affected in the future, not only the citrus crop.
"Commissioner Bronson said that the problem will escalate tremendously when the winter season is upon us," said Ms. Compton. "Florida produces the vast majority of the nation's winter vegetables, so the potential impact is huge. Adding to the problem is that specialty crops are easily bruised by mechanical harvesters, so migrant labor is critical in this category."
Ms. Compton said that Mr. Bronson does not support blanket amnesty for illegal immigrants because he feels it is not fair to those who do follow the rules and abide by the laws. Realistically, however, he said that some sort of guest worker program is critical to avoid food shortages.
"If their crops are not harvested, producers will be inspired to sell out to developers who are offering high prices for their land," continued Ms. Compton. "The result will be less agricultural land in the state, less green space and more infrastructure demands for new developments. Commissioner Bronson also believes that state-by-state regulations will not work because migrant labor moves around. He feels that representatives in Congress need to quit posturing to their constituents and address this critical issue."
