Survey shows strong backing for program helping farm labor needs
A new survey by Morning Consult and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine shows that many adults support creating a special program that allows migrant farmworkers to remain in the United States. The survey reports that 65 percent of adults believe such a program would help farmers and strengthen the nation’s food supply. This support is especially important during harvest season when farmers rely on extra workers to gather crops like sweet potatoes, pecans, pumpkins, and cranberries.
Many farmers say they struggle to find enough workers, and about half report labor shortages. The survey notes strong support for the program in the Midwest and Northeast, where many farms are located. Today, about 70 percent of crop farmworkers are born outside the U.S., and roughly 41 percent do not have legal authorization to work. Having a stable workforce can help keep nutritious foods accessible and affordable for families.
The Physicians Committee, a national health advocacy group with 17,000 physician members, explains that strong farm labor supports a steady supply of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. Through its Convert to Crops program, the organization also provides grants to farmers who grow health-promoting crops.
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