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Farm labor groups hope path forward for farmworkers is serious

The head of the National Council of Agricultural Employers is asking the Trump administration for collaboration to find a legal path forward for farmworkers.

Michael Marsh tells Brownfield losing undocumented workers puts significant stress on the entire food supply chain.

“We know that today in this environment that a lot of workers are frightened, and of course when they’re frightened at work that’s not a good situation because they’re probably going to be less safe, and we want a safe and productive workforce,” he shares.

Marsh says he’s optimistic that the President’s recent social media post, which stated efforts need to be made to protect farmers and their workforce, will be followed by action. 

“So that we can find a solution that works for border security, works for food supply and availability in the United States, and hopefully we’ll keep our farmers and ranchers sustainable into the future,” he says

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, officers need a warrant before entering any private property, and Marsh recommends guest workers carry their visas as the administration strengthens its deportation efforts.

The United Farm Workers says it’s skeptical that the administration’s immigration raids on agricultural worksites will be paused and wants to see a legal path forward for farm workers.

The Migration Policy Institute estimates there are at least two million undocumented workers in the food supply chain, that includes farm labor, processing, transportation, retail, and food service.