Managing the Crisis in Farm Labor Availability

California farm operators have long depended on a steady and relatively affordable farm-labor supply from workers who have immigrated from Mexico. Competing jobs in other sectors and extremely expensive and dangerous border crossings mean that California agriculture has fewer and aging workers. Farm owners have reduced acreage and some contemplate shutting down altogether. Historically, farmers here have avoided using the federal government's cumbersome H-2A program for hiring temporary agricultural workers. This workshop will feature growers and affiliated organizations that are addressing their labor-shortage challenge with creative solutions and improved practices to attract and retain productive employees.