Indiana Agriculture Secretary, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, and other industry leaders recently discussed the labor challenges facing Indiana's agriculture industry. Speaking at a roundtable discussion, Crouch advocated for more flexible immigration policies to help address the labor shortage in the sector.
The agriculture industry in Indiana, like many other states, has been facing a labor shortage in recent years. The pandemic has further exacerbated the issue, with many migrant workers unable to cross the border due to travel restrictions. This resulted in a shortage of workers to harvest and process crops, leaving many farmers struggling to meet demand.
Secretary Crouch stressed the need for flexible immigration policies that would enable the agriculture sector to access a reliable workforce. She emphasized the importance of providing legal avenues for migrant workers to enter the country and work in the agriculture industry, which is critical for the state's economy.
Industry leaders also discussed other potential solutions, such as increasing the use of technology and automation in agriculture to reduce reliance on manual labor. However, they agreed that flexible immigration policies are a critical component in addressing the labor challenges faced by Indiana's agriculture industry.
Photo Credit: GettyImages-Minchen Liang EyeEm
Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy