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Farm Bureau says a solution is still needed for ag labor

The head of American Farm Bureau says President Trump’s focus to fix the immigration system is welcomed but it must address farm labor shortages.

Zippy Duvall says farmers need a reformed guest worker program that is flexible, affordable and fair.  Farm Bureau also wants a process for current farm workers to earn legal status. 

A recent report by Farm Bureau found in 2014, losses from a lack of farm labor were has high as $60 billion.

California Farm Bureau members in a recent survey reported in the last five years, more than half were unable to hire all the employees they needed, and more than 70 percent had worker shortages in the last two years.

President Trump on Thursday released his plan for immigration reform which includes a merit-based system and does not address farm workers or immigrants already in the U.S.