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Adjusting to Higher Labor Costs in Selected U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Industries

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  • Calvin, Linda
  • Martin, Philip
  • Simnitt, Skyler

Abstract

This report examines how U.S. producers of selected labor-intensive fresh fruit and vegetables are addressing the rising costs of labor. Farm labor costs increased from 2010-19 for several reasons, including fewer newly-arrived unauthorized workers, rising State minimum wages, and new requirements to pay overtime wages to some farm workers. Rising labor costs often cause producers to adjust their production and management practices to compensate for the changing cost structure. Short-term options to meet the labor needs on farms include management changes, such as picking fields and orchards less often and introducing mechanical aids that increase worker productivity. Longer-term options include the use of more labor-saving mechanization, additional H-2A guest workers, and reducing overall domestic production.

Suggested Citation

  • Calvin, Linda & Martin, Philip & Simnitt, Skyler, 2022. "Adjusting to Higher Labor Costs in Selected U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Industries," Economic Information Bulletin 327354, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:uersib:327354
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.327354
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Yeh, D. Adeline & Kramer, Jaclyn & Calvin, Linda & Weber, Catharine, 2023. "The Changing Landscape of U.S. Strawberry and Blueberry Markets: Production, Trade, and Challenges from 2000 to 2020," Economic Information Bulletin 340564, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    2. Wang, Sun Ling & Loduca, Natalie, 2023. "The changing values of the U.S. farm workers’ legal status and labor quality in the U.S. farm workforce," 2024 Allied Social Sciences Association (ASSA) Annual Meeting, January 5-7, 2024, San Antonio, Texas 339078, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.

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    Keywords

    Labor and Human Capital; Farm Management;

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