A report commissioned by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows any ag labor reform relying solely on immigrant enforcement would raise food prices over five years by an additional five to six percent. It also would cut the nation’s food production by as much as $ 60 billion dollars. Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap says that’s why comprehensive immigration reform is needed.
Paap says without a stable supply of legal workers, food prices will rise significantly.
The AFBF study also shows that livestock production in the U.S. would fall 13 to 27 percent if an immigration bill based only on enforcement is approved. Paap says if that happens that puts the country in a dangerous position.
The report also says the best scenario for farm labor reform is one including immigration enforcement and a redesigned guest worker program.
