In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, Nicole interviews James O'Neill, Director of Legislative Affairs for the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC). They discuss the critical role of the immigration workforce in agriculture, the challenges posed by high regulatory demands, and the high percentage of undocumented labor in the sector. James offers insight into ABIC's mission to support immigration reform that balances moral considerations with economic needs. They also delve into the consequences of labor shortages on farming operations, such as increased consumer prices and the existential threat to small and medium-sized farms. The episode emphasizes the importance of advocacy for better guest worker programs and resources available to farmers for navigating complex legal requirements.
Learn More About ABIC here: https://abic.us/
And if you want to get more involved with those growing your food, consider joining Maricopa County Farm Bureau. Learn more here: https://www.maricopacountyfb.org/
