America urgently needs immigration reform to support US farmers, Land O’ Lakes CEO, Beth Ford, said late last week. Farmers want to support US President Donald Trump’s economic agenda, but there is “real concern” over possible labor shortages and lost profits. “What needs to be recognized is the necessity, that farmers have labor available,” Ford said. “Immigration reform, broadly, is critical.” Farmers “invest in this country,” adding that the industry is over represented in the military.
“At the same time, there’s real concern. The first thing they talk to me about is labor, immigration, and the lack of available labor for their farms.” Immigrants make up roughly half of America’s farm laborers, said Ford, who chairs the Business Roundtable’s immigration committee. Commodity prices have slid in recent years and many farmers don’t turn a profit. With Trump’s tariffs now threatening exports, Ford said she is most worried about 2026, and how duties will reshape the trade landscape.
-NAFB