Latest news with #agri-food
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The US food industry needs immigrant labour – but the system requires reform
The Trump administration's ongoing immigration policy enforcement underlines an inconvenient truth about the US agri-food industry – without undocumented immigrants, the system would not function, at least not in its current form. Earlier this month, the US federal government briefly issued guidance to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), pausing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids on farms, hotels, restaurants and food processing facilities, citing concerns about labour shortages. President Trump personally acknowledged in a post on his social media platform Truth Social that his 'very aggressive' policies were ripping long-time workers from jobs that are 'almost impossible to replace.' The major policy reversal followed pleas from agri-food industry leaders to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and directly to Trump himself, asking them to ease the ICE raids on these workplaces because it would lead to staff shortages due to the industry's reliance on immigrant labour. But, just days later, DHS reversed course, with Trump's approval, reinstating what it calls 'full-scale, quota-driven immigration enforcement with no safe spaces for industries.' In other words, ICE workplace raids on farms, food processing facilities, restaurants and hotels are back on – at least for now. The agency says it must meet a daily target of 3,000 arrests, even if it means resuming enforcement in critical industries like agri-food. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who both want no exemptions or 'safe spaces' when it comes to the immigration enforcement, are believed to have played the key roles in changing the brief exemption Trump gave to agriculture and hospitality, winning out over Rollins, who was reflecting the wishes of agri-food industry leaders – and the reality that the industry in its current form is fuelled by the labour of undocumented immigrants. Stakeholders across the agri‑food sector, from individual farmers and agriculture trade associations, to major food company CEOs, were startled over the administration's flip-flop, resulting in the resumption of ICE workplace raids on farms and food processing facilities. They say the resumed raids and deportation of those arrested are triggering labour shortages, absenteeism among fearful staff and operational instability. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), which represents family farmers and ranchers across the US, is expressing strong concern over the resumption of the ICE raids, saying they disrupt the workforce and could negatively impact the US food supply. In a strongly worded statement on 17 June, AFBF president Zippy Duvall not only decried the resumption of the ICE raids but also said current agriculture workforce programmes are broken. He called for comprehensive immigration reform that addresses border security, provides a legal and stable workforce for farmers and agribusinesses, and modernises existing farmworker programmes. Approximately 50% of agri-food industry workers in the US are estimated to lack legal work authorisation, according to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) data. Farmworkers comprise the highest percentage of these undocumented immigrant workers. California is the nation's leading food and agriculture state and where, according to data from the governor's office and University of California, an estimated 50% or more of agri-food industry workers are undocumented. Industry leaders there are sounding the alarm over how the ICE raids at farms and processing facilities are making the already existing food and farm labour shortage even worse. The Western Growers Association, which represents the state's family farmers, is warning that targeting undocumented food and farm workers not only jeopardises harvests but also 'threatens segments of the largest state economy, with many crops left unpicked due to labour shortages.' Additionally, the California Farm Bureau, the state's largest agri-food industry organization, Is warning that labour gaps from the deportation of undocumented farmworkers could lead to unharvested crops and ripple down through the supply chain, leading to shortages and price increases. California accounts for over 50% of the nation's output for fruits, nuts and vegetables, growing more than one-third of the vegetables and a whopping three‑quarters of fruits and nuts in the US, according to USDA data. It's also the nation's leading dairy production and processing state. Packaged food company leaders like Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya have spoken out against the resumption of ICE raids. Ulukaya is urging the Trump administration to reconsider its position, saying at The Wall Street Journal's Global Food Forum in Chicago last week that the country's food supply chain is being threatened by aggressive nationwide immigrant enforcement raids. 'We need to be very realistic,' Ulukaya said at the forum. 'We need immigration and we need workers for our food system to work.' Ulukaya is right – and I believe the immigration flip-flop debacle actually opens rather than closes the door for what is much needed immigration reform for the agri-food industry. The US agri-food system in its current form needs immigrant workers in order to function. I also believe Trump is aware of this fact and, based on what he's been saying lately, is open to immigration reform as it pertains to immigrant workers in the agri-food industry. Numerous Republicans and Democrats in Congress are also aware immigrant workers fuel the US agri-food industry. I believe they too are open to immigration relief for farm and food-industry workers. To address this dependency on immigrant labour honestly, the US must enact policy reform with a package that looks something like this: The H-2A temporary agricultural visa is the primary legal pathway for foreign farmworkers but it is bureaucratic, costly and excludes year-round jobs, such as those on dairies and in meatpacking. Reform ideas: Streamline the application process. Allow year-round jobs to qualify. Offer a path to permanent residency for workers with long-term service. An estimated 50% (or more) of US farmworkers are undocumented. These workers form the backbone of food production, yet live in fear of deportation. Reform ideas: Enact legislation like the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which passed in the US House of Representatives but stalled in the Senate. Allow undocumented workers to earn legal status through continuous agricultural employment, background checks and payment of taxes. Current visa programmes don't account for the unique demands of food processing, packaging and year-round crop work. Reform ideas: Develop a visa category specifically for the agri-food supply chain, from farm to processing, to distribution. Include flexible entry/exit options and labour protections. Immigrant agri-food workers are vulnerable to exploitation due to their immigration status. Reform ideas: Tie immigration reform to stronger enforcement of fair wages, safe working conditions and housing standards. Protect whistleblowers from retaliation or deportation when reporting labour violations. Farmers face labour shortages, while government visa systems and enforcement agencies often act in isolation or conflict. Reform ideas: Create a national database or registry of agri-food labour demand. Allow states to sponsor or co-manage temporary labour programmes based on regional workforce needs. Encourage public-private partnerships to recruit, train and place immigrant labour legally. Let's face it: pretending the US agri-food system in its current form can function without undocumented workers is a fantasy. Hoping Trump will change his mind again and exempt agri-food industry workers from immigration enforcement might not be a fantasy but it is folly because, among other things, hope isn't a strategy. Instead, the agri-food industry and its supporters should focus – and do so immediately – on immigration relief and reform for agri-food workers, focusing on both the Trump administration and on Congress. It's the best strategy not only for the industry but also for consumers and the nation as a whole. "The US food industry needs immigrant labour – but the system requires reform" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. 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Irish Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Government to raise concerns with EU about proposed retaliatory tariffs on aviation, medtech and agrifood
The Government is writing to the European Commission to raise its concerns about the possible inclusion of aviation, medtech and agri-food in the EU's list of potential retaliatory tariffs to be levied against the United States. Tánaiste Simon Harris will update Cabinet on Tuesday on Ireland's concerns about the list of potential European tariffs that will kick in if negotiations on a trade deal fail. It is understood he will raise his particular concern about countermeasures relating to aviation, medtech and agri-food. The concerns will be conveyed in a letter from Mr Harris to EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic in advance of the deadline for the public consultation period on the countermeasures. READ MORE Mr Harris, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, is expected to outline four arguments to Mr Sefcovic about the EU's approach to the tariffs: they should not harm EU business more than the US; they should avoid an escalation of trade tensions; they should not affect one member state disproportionately; and they should avoid unnecessary costs. [ EU warns it could accelerate retaliatory tariffs over US duties Opens in new window ] Talks on a trade deal between the EU and the US have continued, but the bloc's countermeasures are due to take effect from July 14th if no agreement is reached. Separately, Minister for Higher Education James Lawless will seek Cabinet approval to provide almost 500 new third-level places to train key workers in four areas experiencing staff shortages. Mr Lawless will bring a joint memo along with Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Children Norma Foley and Minister for Education Helen McEntee. The four areas are health, social care, disability and education. The memo will outline how the funding will allow 461 additional places in priority professions, with the majority commencing in 2025. All places will repeat annually, which will provide a minimum of 1,600 new graduates at the end of the first cycle. This immediate expansion will be in nine key health and social care professions: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, radiation therapy, radiography, podiatry, social work, medical science and dietetics. The Cabinet will also hear details of a proposed new law to combat terrorism being brought by Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan. The Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2025 will allow for the prosecution of a broader range of terrorist activities in light of the evolving nature of terrorism. The Bill proposes to add three new terrorist offences to the statute book: receiving training for terrorism, travelling for the purpose of terrorism and organising or facilitating travelling for the purpose of terrorism. Mr O'Callaghan will tell colleagues the new law will bring Ireland's counter-terrorism laws into line with those of other EU member states. Mr Harris, in his role as Minister for Defence, will bring a separate memo seeking an incentive scheme to retain air traffic control personnel in the Air Corps. The Defence Forces has had difficulty retaining a sufficient number of highly skilled specialists in air traffic control in light of competition from the private sector. Mr Harris is proposing that a scheme with financial incentives for committed service – already available to pilots – should be extended to air traffic control personnel. The Tánaiste will tell the Cabinet that there is a worldwide shortage of air traffic control personnel and the measures he is proposing are needed to help return the Air Corps to a 24/7 service. At present, the air traffic control service is confined to limited hours because of staff shortages. Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary will present his department's annual report for 2024, which shows 2.78 million people are at work, while overall spending for his department is at €27 billion, which is a quarter of Government spending. The Cabinet is expected to approve a further 12-month extension for Prof Mary Horgan, the interim Chief Medical Officer.
Arabian Business
05-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Irish food and drink exports to Middle East and Africa hit $624m in 2024
Ireland's food and drink exports to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reached €546.9 million ($624m) in 2024, underlining the region's growing importance for the country's agri-food sector, according to Bord Bia – The Irish Food Board. The milestone was announced alongside findings from Bord Bia's second annual CEO Pulse Survey, which reflects the perspectives of Irish food and drink companies responsible for nearly €11bn ($12.5bn) in global exports—two-thirds of the nation's total export value. The survey revealed that 56 per cent of Irish food and drink exporters anticipate growth in the MENA region in 2025, despite ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges. Irish food exports to Middle East Exporters cited robust consumer demand, rising interest in sustainably sourced products, and deepening trade relationships as key drivers of optimism. Kieran Fitzgerald, Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa at Bord Bia, said: 'Irish food and drink companies continue to see the Middle East and Africa as high-potential markets. 'The scale of export performance in 2024, paired with strong sentiment from exporters, highlights Ireland's growing reputation as a provider of trusted, high-quality food and drink solutions for the region.' A major contributor to this growth is Ornua, Ireland's largest dairy exporter, which continues to expand its presence in the region. David Butler, Managing Director, Ornua Ingredients International, said: 'The Middle East continues to represent a key growth market for Ornua, with rising demand for high-quality, innovative dairy solutions across the region. 'Our investment in Saudi Arabia underlines our long-term commitment to the region, enabling us to strengthen local partnerships, respond more quickly to customer needs, and deliver market-specific solutions. 'With its strategic location and strong trade ties, Saudi provides an ideal base from which to support our customers and expand our presence across the wider MENA market.'
BBC News
03-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Andrew Muir hits out at pollution plan 'misinformation'
Stormont's agriculture minister has hit out at what he has called "misinformation" over his department's plans to reduce water pollution which have faced criticism from some in the agri-food Ireland's long-overdue Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) for 2026-29 was published for consultation last month. Many of the proposals are linked to the Lough Neagh Action Plan. Unionist parties and farming unions have argued the plans are out of touch with the reality of on Tuesday, Andrew Muir said they were draft proposals with final decisions yet to be taken. 'Vile homophobic comments' Speaking in the Assembly the minister also criticised as "disgraceful" recent commentary on social media about the issue."I have seen misogynistic comments against officials in my department, there have been racist comments in relation to people that we are very, very fortunate to have working in our agri-food sector."Not for a very long time have I seen such vile homophobic comments about myself. I am a gay man and I am proud to be a gay man and it has no relevance whatsoever to the Nutrients Action Programme nor my ability to do this job." 'Utterly disgusting' The minister went on to say: "Some of the comments made towards me - I'm thick enough to be able to take that, it was shocking and I have not seen something like that since the 1990s, but some of the comments for example in terms of foreign nationals working in agri-food, I just thought that was beneath contempt and I think it's important we call this out here."We can have a rational discussion around these things but we should not descend into that, and some of the comments against officials are wrong."The leader of the Opposition, SDLP assembly member Matthew O'Toole said it was "utterly disgusting" and the minister had the opposition's support in calling it out, while the DUP's Gary Middleton said the social media comments against the minister and his officials were unacceptable.
Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- Times
UK food producers have wasted millions on delayed post-Brexit checks
British food and flower producers have wasted millions of pounds in preparing for post-Brexit import checks that now may never be introduced, industry leaders have warned. The sector had been working toward a July 2025 deadline for the introduction of full sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls on agri-food imports from the European Union. However, a sudden shift in government policy, tied to the UK-EU 'reset' and new trade talks, means the vast majority of those checks have been delayed. The Fresh Produce Consortium, which represents suppliers of fruit, vegetables and flowers, said the delays undermined business confidence and left companies in limbo. 'The industry cannot prepare because it doesn't have adequate information on time and has no confidence in the UK government because they say one thing and do another,' Nigel Jenney, chief executive of the consortium, said.
