ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – Alachua County farmer Steven Davis said he could lose over a million dollars as acres of cabbage sit unharvested on his farm.
The cause? He said delays in the H-2A visa program, which brings legal, experienced workers to farms during critical planting and harvesting seasons. He told News4JAX that his workers were approved for Nov. 25th, but they were still not here, mentioning that they were expected in early January.
“They are ready to get here,” Davis said. “They calling me what’s going on, why, well, you know, they don’t know, they’re at their house in Mexico.”
Davis explained that finding local workers isn’t an option. “No, you could put the sign, for one, many wouldn’t show up. For two, the rest that got here that did show up after an hour, they’re not gonna do it. This is hard work, this is hard.”
He said the current delays stem from the previous government shutdown. “The delay, the government shutdown, is what this particular year, other years can be other things, but this particular is the shutdown.”
Davis emphasized how dependent the industry is on foreign workers. “Local people, Americans aren’t going to do it. I’d be willing to say 90% of our produce, 95% of the produce in the grocery store shelf is picked by someone other than an American.”
Asked about the financial impact, Davis was blunt. “I’d lose a million.”
He said he would possibly quit if this crop did not get picked.
Davis said rising costs and a tight labor market make the delays in the H-2A visa program even more of a challenge.