Labor shortages are hitting every corner of our nation, putting pressure on an already strained system.
Every season, I confront the same harsh reality: America’s farms are running short on workers. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when we don’t have enough workers. A few years ago, I was forced to leave behind 35 acres of asparagus rotting in the field because there simply weren’t enough hands to harvest it. This wasn’t just my loss—it was a loss for our community and our food supply.
This isn’t just my story—it’s a crisis rippling across our economy that affects the crops in our fields and ultimately the shelves in your local grocery store.
Since 1950, the number of American farmworkers has dropped by 74%. Labor shortages are expected to continue contributing to rising food prices and will threaten the stability of farms like mine across the country. If we want affordable, reliable food on our tables, we need a workforce that’s stable and secure.
Immigrants have historically filled the gaps in the agriculture industry, taking on labor-intensive tasks. Immigrants have helped feed America for years, and it’s time for solutions to keep them on our farms.
In recent months, the immigration policy landscape has started to shift in ways that offer hope for American agriculture. President Donald Trump has publicly advocated for a new work permit program designed to provide legal status to immigrants who are already contributing to our farms and economy. This proposal, echoed by many in Congress, recognizes the urgent need for a reliable, legal workforce in agriculture and other essential sectors.
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At the same time, bipartisan efforts like the Dignity Act have been introduced in the House of Representatives, aiming to strengthen border security while also creating pathways to legal status for undocumented workers and DACA recipients who have long supported American businesses. The Dignity Act would establish a new, uncapped temporary worker visa for farmworkers and modernize the H-2A application process, making it easier for employers to fill critical jobs. Other proposals like the Farm Workforce Modernization Act specifically prioritize what our country needs to ensure a stable workforce and a thriving agricultural sector.
These policy developments are not just political talking points—they are real solutions that could stabilize our food supply, lower costs for consumers and ensure America’s farms remain competitive globally. It’s time for lawmakers to act with urgency and pass these meaningful reforms that reflect the realities on the ground.
But this isn’t just about farms—it’s about the entire economy. We need practical solutions to protect American jobs, support our businesses and secure our workforce for the future.
I appreciate Trump’s call for a practical work program, and we align with his vision to ensure that those who want to work and support our economy can do so legally and responsibly. It’s time to do what’s right for America to keep our food supply strong, our economy growing and our communities thriving.
Let’s make sure America’s farms don’t go hungry for solutions any longer.
Shay Myers is a third-generation potato and onion grower in Oregon and CEO of Owyhee Produce in Parma, Idaho.