News

H-2A helping to supply Michigan’s specialty crop workforce

 

The head of Great Lakes Ag Labor Services says there is an adequate supply of seasonal labor to start Michigan’s the growing season.

“So far, it’s going pretty well, interest in the program continues to grow because it’s the only option for seasonal workers.”

General manager Bob Boehm tells Brownfield it’s especially difficult for farmers to find a dependable, seasonal workforce for crops harvested during the school year, like asparagus in May and apples in October, because people are less willing to travel.  “There’s an overall reduction in the number of people willing and able to do these jobs and eligible for the times we need them.”

Boehm says since established in 2015, the organization has experienced a 20 to 30 percent year-over-year growth in the number requests for H-2A guest worker visas. He says that’s also a national trend which can stress the system processing visas.

The group, which is an affiliate of the Michigan Farm Bureau, is currently surveying farmers to better understand labor needs and issues. The results will be later used to create pilot programs and other resources to support Michigan farmers.

AUDIO: Interview with Bob Boehm