In 2023, state was nation’s sole producer of almonds, artichokes, figs, olives, pomegranates, raisins and walnuts

Summary

President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportation plan could severely impact California’s agriculture, where many of the farm workers are undocumented immigrants.

Experts warn that deporting these workers could disrupt the U.S. food supply chain, drive up prices, and increase reliance on imports.

California’s $24.7 billion agricultural industry heavily depends on immigrant labor for producing key crops like almonds, strawberries, and lettuce.

Farm worker advocates argue Trump’s immigration policies aim to discourage labor organizing by creating a more vulnerable workforce. California leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom, are taking steps to safeguard immigrant rights amid growing concerns.

  • RagingRobot@lemmy.world
    72·
    2 days ago

    If the farms are hiring people illegally to keep prices low then maybe it’s good for that to come to an end. It sucks things will cost more but not paying a living wage and taking advantage of immigrants isn’t ok.

    Deporting people is also not what I want though so idk

    • NoneOfUrBusiness@fedia.io
      73·
      2 days ago

      These people should indeed be paid a livable wage, but that’s only half the problem. If they’re gone nobody will take their place. This is backbreaking work that your average American for good reason simply won’t be willing to do.

      • CandleTiger@programming.dev
        3·
        2 days ago

        Installing HVAC ducts in blistering hot attics is backbreaking work but people can be found to do that.

        I wonder what those people get paid, and whether they have access to bathroom breaks, clean drinking water on the job, and a decent place to sleep at night?

    • SupraMario@lemmy.world
      21·
      2 days ago

      Alabama tried this already and no one would come do the work, so it’s not going to have people flocking to pick up these jobs.

      • CandleTiger@programming.dev
        3·
        2 days ago

        Maybe if they increased the wages or improved the working conditions, people would come do the work after all?

        Just spitballing, here….

        • SupraMario@lemmy.world
          1·
          2 days ago

          They did, people do not want to work outside doing hard labor for what it should cost. The cost for your food is relatively cheap, because of cheap labor. This idea that farmers are rolling in money is a nice myth, but it’s not true, the majority are living year to year trying to survive.