Association says that labour, regulatory and economic crises are threatening the future of US fresh produce
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has urged the US congress to take bipartisan action to support growers, strengthen food security, and maintain the country’s leadership in production.
Bret Erickson, senior vice president of business affairs at Little Bear Produce, testified before the US Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, representing both his company and IFPA during a hearing on the agricultural economy.
In his testimony, Erickson emphasised the significant economic challenges facing the fresh produce industry and the urgent need for legislative action.
“The fresh produce sector contributes US$28bn annually to the US agricultural economy and plays a vital role in promoting public health,” said Erickson. “However, our industry is struggling under the weight of labour shortages, rising costs, and regulatory burdens that threaten our ability to compete and grow.”
He called on lawmakers to take immediate action on agricultural labour and regulatory issues, as well as to pass a bipartisan, comprehensive farm bill.
On the agricultural labour crisis, Erickson stressed that the persistent shortage of reliable, legal farm labour continued to threaten domestic food production.
He urged lawmakers to collaborate with the administration to reform H-2A visa programme rules and streamline processes to enhance the competitiveness of US agriculture.
Key reforms include adjusting the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) to better reflect market conditions.
“Labour costs now make up more than 50 per cent – and in some cases, a significantly higher percentage – of the total expenses for fresh produce growers and these costs are steadily rising,” Erickson said.
“If our nation is serious about maintaining robust domestic production and food security in the United States, congress and the Trump administration must address agriculture’s labour crisis now.”
Erickson discussed farm bill investments calling for increased federal funding to support research and development in specialty crop mechanisation and automation.
He also emphasised the need for improved crop insurance and risk management tools, as fresh produce growers currently lack affordable coverage options.
Additionally, Erickson urged policymakers to prioritise fresh produce in federal nutrition programmes, including expanded incentives for fruit and vegetable consumption through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Talking about regulatory reform Erickson criticised recent regulatory changes that have disrupted access to essential pesticides.
“In recent years, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulatory process has been in disarray and dysfunction from adverse legal decisions and political paralysis,” he noted.
“If agriculture is to remain an essential component of our national economy, farmers must have the federal government’s commitment to providing certainty that products to control damaging pests will be safe and available.”
Finally, Erickson brought up trade barriers, highlighting the importance of reducing non-tariff trade barriers that put US specialty crop growers at a disadvantage in global markets.
IFPA called on congress to fully fund critical USDA programmes that support agricultural exports through the Trade and Foreign Agriculture Agency.
“The future of U.S. agricultural production and food security depends on smarter federal policies that meaningfully address these challenges,” concluded Erickson’s testimony.
“By investing in the future of fresh produce growers, congress can ensure that the US remains a world leader in producing safe, abundant, affordable, and nutritious food.”
