FRESNO (KMJ) — Farmers here in California are worried the President's executive action to block 5 million deportations could actually mean fewer workers.
Valley farms need workers to pick the fruits, veggies and nuts we grow here – but farmers and farm trade groups are worried protection from deportation might drive some from seasonal field work to more steady jobs – like construction or housekeeping.
Those trade associations also believe it means the farm labor force will shrink without a way to bring in new workers.
California has the largest number of farm workers, which means losses could hit our state's farms hardest.
The added shortage could also drive wages up, which could also mean higher prices at the supermarket.
There's an estimated 15 to 20 percent shortage of farm workers now, and that's why the industry wants Congress to come up with an immigration reform plan that includes a guest worker program.
