USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service bi-annual Farm Labor Survey results released on Nov. 23 reveal a “critical need for ag labor reform to stabilize wages,” said the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association in a statement.
The survey report on hired farm labor trends, demographics and regional variances also tracks changes in income that the U.S. Department of Labor uses to determine next year’s Adverse Effect Wage Rates, an annual list of minimum wages for H-2A agricultural workers by state.
The implications for Florida growers are significant, the FFVA says.
“Shockingly, Florida’s new AEWR is projected to climb by nearly 15.5% to $14.33, up from $12.41 just a year ago. That’s more than double the total U.S. average for increases in the AEWR and puts Florida facing the largest increase of any area,” the FFVA said.
This news comes at a time when growers in Florida and across the country are facing an unprecedented rise in input costs.
“The continued use of the Farm Labor Survey as the methodology to set wages only seeks to further squeeze growers and is not sustainable,” the FFVA said. “If we are to keep producing a reliable, safe and abundant domestic food supply, we must modernize the H-2A visa program to align with current agricultural practices and remove outdated barriers that restrict access for Florida’s seasonal growers.
Related: Farmworker wages up 7% from last year, according to USDA Farm Labor Survey
“We understand the Senate is making progress on a possible companion bill to the House-passed Farm Workforce Modernization Act and would strongly urge swift action so that farmers can continue putting nutritious food on the tables of American consumers,” the FFVA said.
