Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/50994
If there is a continuing crackdown on illegal immigrants and no immigra- tion reform, how might the U.S. fruit industry adjust? Unfortunately, as we have seen in some states that have implemented these crackdowns, migrant labor flees the state and leaves crops unharvested and entire industries uncertain of their futures. The drive for mechanically assisted harvesting of apples as well as advancements in other crops show us some hope for the future with fewer or no migrant labor. The U.S. fruit industry would need to invest heavily in new machinery to adjust to such change, and would be hard pressed to survive a sudden crackdown on our traditional work force. Tom DeMarree President, New York State Horticultural Society other people only interested in working part time. It would be very costly for agri- culture to gear up to manage three to five times the number of people we now use because of lower labor efficiency levels. What is the biggest driver of change in the tree fruit industry today? There are two large drivers of change in the tree fruit industry today: new product development (fresh apple slices, exciting crisp new varieties) which are increasing apple consumption/demand, and the lack of a stable labor force capable and willing to do the job as needed. If there is a continuing crackdown on illegal immigrants and no immigra- tion reform, how might the U.S. fruit industry adjust? Many growers will first likely downsize their operations and then either leave the United States to farm elsewhere or quit farming all together. There is no sense in investing in or expanding a high-risk industry if there is uncertainty about hav- ing the labor you need to produce a high- quality product. • It's not the tank, it's the mix. Add REGALIA® biofungicide to the mix for better plant health, better yield and a better bottom line. REGALIA induces the plant's defenses, provides bacterial and fungal disease control, delays the development of resistance and helps minimize chemical residues in harvested produce. In short, REGALIA is proven to make your protection program better. For more details, go to www.marronebio.com/regalia Just add Tom DeMarree, New York peaches, cherries, and plums, on a 200- acre farm in Williamson, New York. He is a member of the International Fruit Tree Association's Research Committee and past treasurer of the New York Apple Association. T Which two issues would you like to see the Horticultural Society focus most on in the next five years? 1. Securing a stable seasonal work force. A very small percentage of the undocumented workforce is working in agriculture, yet agriculture is often the focus of criticism of employers hiring undocumented workers. 2. The public does not understand that each apple variety has a very narrow harvest window and rapidly declines in quality and value when harvested late. Agriculture needs large numbers of peo- ple, for very short periods of time, who want to work and can meet the physical demands of the job. The weather does not wait for our government to get its act together nor for the schedules of high- school students, prison guards, retirees or www.goodfruit.com om has been farming for 35 years. He grows more than 30 fresh and processed apple varieties, as well as Always read and follow label directions. REGALIA is a registered trademark of Marrone Bio Innovations. © 2011, Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. 16767 GFG GOOD FRUIT GROWER JANUARY 1, 2012 17 richard lehnert