Vol. 130 (2017): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Citrus

Competing Perspectives among Employers and Worker Advocates Regarding Citrus Harvesting with H-2A Workers

Published 2017-06-15

Abstract

The H-2A temporary agricultural guest worker program has become the primary source of labor to harvest citrus. An estimated 80% of the 2016–17 citrus crop was harvested by H-2A workers. This paper outlines an ongoing project to interview and summarize the economic and political perspectives of competing interest groups regarding H-2A and temporary guest worker programs in general. Three interest groups are targeted to solicit opinions about the H-2A program administration and how well the economic interests of growers, domestic workers, and foreign workers are being met. The groups surveyed are agricultural employers, including growers and farm labor contractors, worker advocates, and government officials charged with overseeing the H-2A program. Results of the survey provide insights into how the existing program could or should be modified as part of a comprehensive immigration reform package.