What really improves the economic condition of immigrant farmworkers
There are few roles in the U.S. food system as tough as being an
immigrant farmworker ... especially one without documentation. There has
been enormous advocacy in recent years to improve farmworker wages and
working conditions.
Yet, in addition to advocacy, it is worthwhile to stay informed about
the economic fundamentals that even more strongly influence working
conditions for immigrant laborers.
Consider the consequences of several recent years of economic recovery
(which increases job opportunities outside of agriculture), combined
with the failure of sensible immigration reforms (which would have
included a compromise with farmers, designed to stabilize their labor
supply).
Economic growth and (perhaps pardoxically) nativist conservative
grass-roots opposition to immigration reform have combined to raise
wages for immigrant farmworkers.
Specialty crop growers generally depend on a large number of farm workers to grow, harvest, and pack their tender fresh crops. Consequently, growers are sensitive to both the cost and availability of farm labor. Working conditions in agriculture are often physically challenging and hourly earnings are relatively low compared to other employment opportunities for U.S. residents. Thus, a large portion of agricultural labor needs have been met by immigrant workers. A high percentage of these immigrants are working in the United States without legal authorization. In recent years grower concerns over cost and availability have intensified as the rhetoric over comprehensive immigration reform continues to harden.Figure 1: Annual Average Number of Hired Workers in U.S. Agriculture (Excluding Service Workers) and Average Wage Rates
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| Source: USDA/NASS, 2014 |
Read the original blog post: http://usfoodpolicy.blogspot.com/2015/12/what-really-improves-economic-condition.html?spref=tw
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