As the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on illegal immigration in the U.S., concerns are growing about potential disruptions in the food supply chain. This situation may mirror the challenges faced by the U.K. after Brexit in January 2020.
Brexit significantly impacted the U.K.’s labor market, leading to workforce shortages and empty shelves in grocery stores. Barbara Guignard, a principal at Efficio, a global consultancy, noted that restricting access to immigrant labor triggered a crisis in agriculture.
“The situation reminds me of what happened with Brexit,” Guignard said. “When the U.K. limited immigrant access, it created immediate challenges in farming.” Before Brexit, seasonal workers from Europe could work in the U.K. without visas, but new rules made it much harder for them to return. This issue was compounded by COVID-19 restrictions, which halted the movement of workers just as farms needed them the most.
Guignard warns that reducing immigrant labor in the U.S. could similarly disrupt agriculture and food processing. “If we see a decrease in the workforce, it will affect harvesting crucial crops like citrus. A smaller harvest could lead to higher food prices and ultimately impact consumers nationwide,” she explained.
Since taking office for his second term, President Trump has labeled illegal immigration a national emergency and expanded deportation efforts. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported thousands of arrests in recent weeks, but the full impact of these deportations is still unclear.
Estimates suggest that over 8 million undocumented immigrants contribute to the U.S. workforce, with significant numbers involved in agriculture, construction, and food processing. This labor force is vital for maintaining the food supply chain.
John Walt Boatright from the American Farm Bureau emphasized the importance of foreign workers in agriculture. “We need to fix the immigration system without harming essential industries like farming and processing,” he stressed.
In Florida, a large portion of agricultural workers are noncitizens, highlighting their significance to the state’s economy. Thomas Kennedy of the Florida Immigrant Coalition pointed out that between 37% and 47% of Florida’s agricultural workforce consists of undocumented labor.
In Detroit, a nonprofit faced challenges due to deportations affecting its fresh produce supply. The loss of workers led a Texas farm to shut down, causing a significant blow to local food assistance efforts.
On the other hand, some regions, like the Texas Rio Grande Valley, have not yet reported disruptions to agriculture due to deportations. Dante Galeazzi from the Texas International Produce Association noted that the industry is proactive in ensuring compliance with current regulations.
Looking back, the U.K. attempted to fill labor gaps created by Brexit through initiatives aimed at encouraging local workers to take on agricultural jobs. However, those efforts largely failed, as many local workers were unwilling to fill these demanding positions.
To prepare for potential disruptions, Guignard recommends that businesses rely on diverse supplier networks. “Building strong relationships with suppliers can help businesses secure priority access to fresh produce when disruptions occur,” she said. This strategy could be crucial in times of uncertainty.
Check out this related article: Don’t Miss Out! Vote Now for the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame – Nominations Extended to March 7!
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