Labor Shortage in Specialty Crops and USMCA Improvements Pushed
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**Labor shortages continue to challenge specialty crop growers, raising concerns about production, harvest timing and rising costs across the sector.
The Western Growers Association says labor remains a top concern for fruit and vegetable producers.
The H-2A guest worker program has provided some relief but remains costly for many growers.
Economists warn that continued shortages could lead to higher consumer prices, while growers adjust strategies and call for long-term labor reform.
**Congressional leaders are signaling renewed momentum on a long-delayed farm bill as pressure builds from agricultural groups ahead of the 2026 planting season.
Lawmakers from both parties say negotiations have accelerated, though disagreements remain over spending levels, conservation programs and nutrition policy.
According to Reuters, lawmakers are working through budget constraints while trying to preserve crop insurance and commodity programs.
Politico reported negotiations have intensified, with staff working toward a potential framework.
**A bipartisan group of senators is urging continued support and improvements to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement ahead of its six-year review.
Minnesota’s Amy Klobuchar, Montana’s Steve Daines, John Boozman of Arkansas, and Raphael Warnock of Georgia sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jaimeson Greer, highlighting the agreement’s importance to American agriculture.
They noted the U.S. is world’s largest ag exporter, with $176 billion in exports, and Canada and Mexico are key markets.
