Coronavirus Causes Ag Issues in U.S. and Abroad
By Keith Good, Farm Policy News
Reuters writer Chris Walljasper reported on Tuesday that, “U.S. fruit and vegetable producers are bracing for dramatic disruptions to their labor force after the U.S. government said it was suspending visa interviews in Mexico to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
“The expected restrictions on migrant workers come as Americans strip grocery stores bare in preparation for potential orders to quarantine.
“Starting on Wednesday, new applications will not be processed for the H2A guest worker program and only returning seasonal workers will be allowed to enter the United States, growers said.”
Bloomberg writers Mike Dorning, Edward Ludlow, and Ainslie Chandler reported on Tuesday that, “Across the globe, governments are imposing travel limits in a bid to stem the spread of coronavirus. The unintended consequence is a squeeze on migrant labor that’s a cornerstone of food production.
American produce growers preparing to harvest crops are warning of a devastating impact on fruit and vegetables after the U.S. Embassy in Mexico announced a halt to visa interviews for seasonal farm workers. Slaughterhouses also may face labor shortages.
The Bloomberg writers explained that, “While large grain and oilseed operations in the U.S. don’t rely as much on seasonal workers, many fruit and vegetable operators do.
“Leafy greens, berries and cucumbers are likely to be hit first by the loss of seasonal workers, [Robert Guenther, senior vice president for public policy for the United Fresh Produce Association, which represents U.S. growers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers] said. Tree fruit such as peaches, plums, nectarines and citrus would be affected heading into May and June, he said.”
Dorning, Ludlow and Chandler added that, “The U.S. Embassy in Mexico posted a notice on its website announcing it was indefinitely halting visa interviews needed to process applications to come to the U.S., including for seasonal farm workers under the H-2A visa program.”
“The U.S. Department of Agriculture ‘is directly engaged with the State Department and working diligently to ensure minimal disruption in H2A visa applications during these uncertain times,’ the agency said in an emailed response. ‘This Administration is doing everything possible to maintain continuity of this critically important program.’”