09/24/07 Apple Industry Immigration

Apply Industry Immigration. I'm Greg Martin with today's Fruit Grower Report. Like many other Ag industries, the apple industry has been feeling the pinch of immigration. Many tree fruit growers have been crossing their fingers, hoping they can get the fruit harvested. So far this year, there have only been some minor worker shortages but according to Washington Apple Commission President, Dave Carlson, the issue needs to be addressed. CARLSON: It just is extremely frustrating that the U.S. Congress did not have the initiative to at least address this situation and do something. You know, no way is it going to satisfy all the interests but it's an issue that needs to be addressed by the government and it's not going to go away. Carlson says that in most cases producers have been getting the fruit picked when it needs to be. CARLSON: So far I think people are cooperating, if someone doesn't need a crew for a short period of time they are moving them to neighbors if they have work. I think that's good but I do know there are some shortages of workers in some areas. Carlson is also a bit concerned over the Social Security no-match letters. CARLSON: A lot of folks are very apprehensive about that because I really believe that 99.9% of our industry is following the rules and getting the proper documentation as they are in place at the present time but that's not to say that all these documents are legit. When those no-match letters come out with the new requirements on them and how that's going to play out is anyone's guess. That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.