By Jamie Martin
A new Morning Consult–Physicians Committee survey finds that 65 percent of adults support the creation of a special program allowing migrant farmworkers to remain in the United States. This support arrives at a crucial time when farms need workers to harvest holiday crops such as sweet potatoes, pumpkins, cranberries, and pecans. Many farmers say they do not have the labor they need, and this creates challenges for food production.
Survey results show strong support for the program in areas with large farming communities, including the Midwest and Northeast. Today, around 70 percent of crop farmworkers are foreign-born, and about 41 percent lack official authorization to work in the country. A steady and reliable workforce helps ensure that nutritious foods stay affordable and accessible for families across the nation.
According to the Physicians Committee, having enough farmworkers also supports public health. The organization explains that when farmers have adequate labor, families can count on a consistent supply of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. The committee’s Convert to Crops program also offers grants to farmers who grow plant-based foods that support health.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-valentinrussanov
Categories: National