Concerns Rise Over US Agriculture Labor Issues

Labour's relationship with rural constituencies has soured over proposed inheritance tax changes impacting farms, sparking significant protests from farmers in London. Concurrently, agricultural experts highlight ongoing labor challenges in the U.S., where the H-2A visa program is increasingly relied upon as domestic labor supply shrinks. A recent meeting in Santa Barbara County addressed farmworker conditions amid calls for a minimum wage increase to $26 per hour, emphasizing the need for better wages, housing, and safety standards. Experts warn that as farm labor costs rise, U.S. agricultural practices may shift towards mechanization or relocation of labor-intensive crops to Mexico. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act aims to reform agricultural labor laws, but faces hurdles in gaining bipartisan support. Overall, the future of the agricultural labor market appears uncertain as policy changes loom on the horizon.