Farm Worker Programs Debated as US Economy Sours

Agriculture groups push for foreign workers even as US workers lose jobs by thousands

By SHANNON DININNY Associated Press Writer

YAKIMA

,

Wash.

February 11, 2009

(AP)

 

John Wyss had just been hired at one of the nation's largest apple growers in 2005 when the company couldn't find enough workers. Fruit went unpicked, and much of what was picked came off the trees too late.

Hail and harsh winter freezes have shrunk the crops in the years since, reducing the need for workers. But if the weather had cooperated, he said, "We would have had severe labor problems."

It's become an annual argument — farmers nationally complain about a shortage of workers, while labor groups counter that higher wages will secure field hands.

This year, new rules enacted by the Bush administration shortly before leaving office may make it easier for farmers to bring in foreign workers. Plus, Congress faces another push to potentially legalize undocumented farm workers already in the country. At the same time, thousands of

U.S.

workers are losing their jobs in the economic crisis.

How problematic does that make any talk of bringing in foreign workers?

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