President Trump’s immigration plans are already having a significant impact on the U.S. food industry, particularly in California’s agricultural sector. Recent immigration raids and the threat of mass deportations have created an atmosphere of fear among undocumented farmworkers, leading many to stay away from work.
Not surprising, right? After all, this was expected.
The effects of this fear are being felt across California’s farms. In Kern County, fields were nearly deserted following recent raids by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The California Farm Bureau reports that migrant farmworkers are not showing up for work, virtually halting the citrus harvest in some areas. Moreover, some farmworkers are keeping their children home from school and daycare out of fear of deportation.
So, what’s the big deal? They knew this was coming, right?
Problem: Approximately 50-70% of California’s 400,000 farmworkers are estimated to be undocumented immigrants. Nationwide, about 42% of crop laborers are undocumented, according to USDA estimates.
Bigger problem: The absence of these workers is already having economic repercussions. Farmers are struggling to find enough workers to harvest their crops, potentially leading to food waste and economic losses. As a result, the citrus harvest in parts of California has been severely disrupted and there are concerns about potential increases in food prices if the labor shortage continues.
Hiring American workers for these vacated crop laborer positions will inevitably lead to higher wage demands, which in turn will drive up the cost of certain foods. This is a critical consideration, as it directly impacts food prices and affordability.
The fear of deportation is not only affecting farm labor but also impacting broader community dynamics. Because some immigrants are afraid to leave their homes, even for work or essential errands, there’s a noticeable decrease in economic activity in those places. People are working and spending less, and the uncertainty is causing stress and anxiety in those communities.
So, these communities where some “legal” farmers live are facing a significant financial setback, creating a double whammy effect.
While the full extent of the impact remains to be seen, it’s clear that Trump’s immigration policies are already causing significant disruption to the U.S. food industry, particularly in agriculture-heavy states like California. The situation highlights the complex relationship between immigration policy and the nation’s food supply, raising questions about the potential long-term consequences of stricter immigration enforcement on agricultural productivity and food prices.