H-2A program helps growers navigate labor shortage

The best outcomes for pear and apple harvest may go to growers who have the best access for H-2A labor.

That’s the observation of Matt Dusi, sector manager and food and agribusiness industry advisors for Wells Fargo Commercial Banking.

“Growers who have acreage spread across geographies and varieties will extend the season and keep their labor pool busy for a longer period of time, and likely come out ahead,” Dusi said. “Growers who do not have access to H-2A labor and large demand for labor for a very short period of time will have the most difficulty in securing labor.”

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The labor shortage goes across all sectors, Dusi said.

“Nearly every business I drive by or visit has a ‘Now Hiring’ sign up, and I know there is a genuine shortage, as evidenced with quick-service restaurants’ ‘signing bonuses’ now trending,” he said.

The industry has seen a significant shortage of labor during cherry harvest, and it is continuing into the apple and pear harvest season, said Steve Flashing, marketing executive with Honeybear Marketing, Brewster, Wash.

Industry coping

Conventional and organic pear harvest and packing was starting in August on summer varieties like bartlett and starkrimson, said Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee, Wash. After summer pears are harvested, she said harvest moves to other varieties like bosc, and winds up with anjou and red anjou harvest in mid-October.

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“Labor is always a concern, but as major participants in H-2A programs and a moderate crop of pears to pick, we aren’t overly concerned about the inability to harvest,” Shales said.

Dan Davis, director of business development for Starr Ranch Growers, Wenatchee, said labor is the number one issue of getting the crop harvested in a timely manner.

“(The labor shortage) won’t affect packing with our automation at the warehouse but getting the crop off in the proper condition is our chief concern at this point,” Davis said.

Labor is tight, said Cat Gipe-Stewart, communication manager for Superfresh Growers, Yakima, Wash. Harvest will continue into October.

“Though we would prefer to have domestic labor available, we are thankful for the H-2A program,” Gipe-Stewart said. “Our percentage of H-2A reliance grows every year.”

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Grower-shippers said the guest worker program is essential.

“With our robust H-2A program this year, we are fortunate to have more than sufficient labor to complete this season’s harvest,” said David Armenta, director of export for Selah, Wash.-based Rainier Fruit Co.

Mac Riggan, director of marketing for Chelan, Wash.-based Chelan Fresh, said the older and dedicated workers in the H-2A program will help the company get through harvest.

“We’re confident going into the fall we have workers that we need.”