In 2023, state was nation’s sole producer of almonds, artichokes, figs, olives, pomegranates, raisins and walnuts
Summary
President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportation plan could severely impact California’s agriculture, where many of the farm workers are undocumented immigrants.
Experts warn that deporting these workers could disrupt the U.S. food supply chain, drive up prices, and increase reliance on imports.
California’s $24.7 billion agricultural industry heavily depends on immigrant labor for producing key crops like almonds, strawberries, and lettuce.
Farm worker advocates argue Trump’s immigration policies aim to discourage labor organizing by creating a more vulnerable workforce. California leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom, are taking steps to safeguard immigrant rights amid growing concerns.
If only there was some recent example of a western country doing something stupid like this that isolates its self from a major chunk of its agricultural workforce, and really screwing over its fresh food supply…
(Politely clears throat in post-brexit British)