Posted: Tuesday, October 7, 2025. 9:49 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: Florida farmers are warning of potential crop losses as fewer migrant workers apply for H-2A visas this season, Fox 13 reports.
The state’s $132 billion agriculture industry relies heavily on the federal program, which allows foreign laborers to fill temporary farm jobs when not enough Americans apply.
In Plant City, local farmer Lee Wroten says nearly his entire workforce depends on H-2A visa holders. “It’s almost everybody — all the labor, tractor drivers, even some supervisors are H-2A,” he said.
But he and other farmers are concerned as fewer workers arrive, citing fear of immigration enforcement despite their legal status. “Without the H-2A program, we’d really be in a bad place,” Wroten said. “It’s hard, hot, sweaty work — most Americans don’t want to do it.”
Wroten added that recent encounters between his workers and law enforcement have heightened their anxiety.
Chris Ball, CEO of másLabor, one of the nation’s largest agricultural recruitment firms, said the trend is widespread. “The workers are nervous because they see articles in the news, people getting deported and more ICE enforcement,” he explained.
“It’s been a challenge to reassure workers who are coming here legally that they’re safe.” Farmers say the shortage threatens Florida’s food supply and could leave crops rotting in the fields.
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The post International News: Florida farmers face worker shortage as fewer migrants apply for H-2A visas appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, October 7, 2025. 9:49 am CST. By Zoila Palma: Florida farmers are warning of potential crop losses as fewer migrant workers apply for H-2A
The post International News: Florida farmers face worker shortage as fewer migrants apply for H-2A visas appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
