Idaho Farm Faces Labor Shortage Amid Escalating Immigration Raids | AI News Digest
Insiders at Owyhee Produce, a family-owned farm in Idaho, are facing a serious labor crisis, exacerbated by heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these immigration raids could trigger a food shortage, given that the agricultural industry relies heavily on seasonal labor, much of which is undocumented. Shay Myers, the farm's general manager, revealed that they usually hire about 300 workers during peak times, but the threat of deportation is discouraging many potential employees from applying. Although the farm does utilize H-2A visa workers, who are authorized for temporary employment, fears surrounding ICE raids are hindering their recruitment efforts. Experts caution that this ongoing labor disruption could lead to rising food prices for consumers across the country.
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