Florida Farmers Face Tough Times: Can They Survive the Worker Shortage?

Florida's farmers are in a tough spot. They can't find enough workers to harvest their crops. This isn't just a small problem. It's a big deal that could affect everyone.

The Worker Shortage

Many workers have left because they're scared. They don't want to be caught up in immigration raids. Now, farmers are struggling to find people to replace them. They can't afford to hire workers through the H2A visa program either. This program is supposed to help, but it's too expensive for many farmers right now.

Farmers Seek Government Help

Farmers have asked for help. They want the government to give amnesty to farm workers. But the government isn't listening. Instead, they're suggesting farmers use machines or hire people from Medicaid. Farmers think this is a bad idea. They say they already pay well above the minimum wage, but still can't find American workers willing to do the job.

The Impact on Farmers

One strawberry farmer is really worried. He says he might have to cut his production by 65% next year. That's a huge drop! He's not the only one. Many farmers are feeling the same way.

The Broader Impact

This isn't just a problem for farmers. It could affect everyone. If farmers can't grow enough food, we might have to rely on other countries. That could be dangerous. We don't want to be dependent on others for our food.