In testimony submitted to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee on February 9, U.S. Apple Association Chairman Dale Foreman strongly urged Congress to find a solution to the agricultural labor challenges currently facing apple growers throughout the U.S. The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Regional Perspectives on Agricultural Guestworker Programs. USApple was asked to provide background and examples of how current laws and regulations are having a negative impact on the domestic apple industry.
In his testimony, Foreman, an apple, pear, and cherry grower from Wenatchee, WA, noted some of the difficult situations that arose this year. “In 2011, we experienced the worst labor shortages I have ever seen. Tragically, we did not have nearly enough workers. The situation grew so dire that in early October we ran radio ads throughout our area asking for workers and offering them up to $150 per day to help us pick our apples. Even with the barrage of radio ads, we were only able to recruit three additional pickers. We needed more than 100.”
“The need for a reliable, skilled, and legal workforce in the apple industry is paramount,” noted Nancy Foster, president and CEO of USApple. “As Dale noted in his testimony, a permanent solution to these labor challenges needs to be reached. Our industry and much of the nation’s food supply are at risk if Congress doesn’t act.”
In addition to presenting the Committee with real-world examples of how the labor shortage is harming the apple industry, Foreman also described how the Government program designed to help the situation is failing. “Some in our industry have begun turning to the H-2A guestworker program, but that brings problems of its own. Apple growers in New England and New York who have utilized the program for 20, even 30 years, are having their applications rejected for the first time.”
“USApple is an active supporter of agricultural labor reform,” added Foster. “We will continue to advocate for a solution on behalf of the apple industry and educate Members of Congress on the important role agriculture plays in our Nation’s economic health.”