Feb 28, 2025Specialty crop leaders weigh in on Trump’s second term
As the second Donald Trump presidential administration begins governing, the agriculture community is closely watching how policies could affect the specialty crop sector. Farm labor challenges in the vegetable industry remain a top concern, alongside issues of immigration, trade, and the farm bill.
What to expect in 2025
Jason Resnick, senior vice president and general counsel of Western Growers, said:
“In 2025, we anticipate continued challenges related to labor availability and costs, especially if H-2A reform and adverse wage rate (AEWR) stabilization are not addressed. Additionally, we hope to avoid indiscriminate immigration enforcement sweeps that result in the deportation of essential workers in farming. Such indiscriminate actions would be economically counterproductive, harming food production, exacerbating labor shortages and contributing to food inflation.”
Meanwhile, Rebeckah Adcock, vice president of U.S. government relations for the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), emphasized collaboration with the administration.
“Our mission remains steadfast: fostering the prosperity of our members by increasing access to and consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and floral products — a critical foundation for a healthier, more resilient future for all Americans.”
She added that reforms addressing labor wage escalation and water resource shortages will help U.S. producers compete effectively.
In addition, Matthew Dillon, co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association, focused on organics.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the USDA National Organic Program on regulatory updates and enforcement to ensure organic integrity. We have reason to believe that this administration and its new political appointees will understand the NOP enforcement is good for American farmers and businesses.
Farm labor challenges for vegetable growers
Resnick explained that Western Growers will continue to push for sensible immigration enforcement policies.
“We remain hopeful for progress in advancing meaningful agricultural labor reform through legislative or regulatory initiatives, alongside increased investment in automation and technology to help mitigate rising labor costs.”
Similarly, Adcock said the specialty crop sector cannot thrive without addressing farm labor challenges in the vegetable industry.
“The viability of American growers relies on access to an affordable and stable workforce. However, the produce sector continues to grapple with severe labor shortage and escalating costs that often exceed crop values. The H-2A program remains a critical resource for growers, yet decades of inaction have rendered. it cumbersome and unreliable.”
She noted recent court rulings that halted enforcement of a regulation among H-2A visa rules, providing farmers with a temporary reprieve.
“The rulings offer a vital reprieve to farmers nationwide who rely on the program for seasonal labor. IFPA argued that the regulation exceeded the Department of Labor’s statutory authority, imposed unconstitutional demands on agricultural employers and created significant disruptions across the farming industry.”
Adcock added that IFPA will push to roll back Biden-era H-2A regulations and work with Congress and the Trump administration to modernize the program.
Dillon warned that Trump’s immigration stance could hit labor-dependent sectors hardest.
“Give that 40% – 50% of agricultural labor is undocumented and that organic is even more labor-dependent than conventional specialty crops, this will have a significant impact. Labor costs will increase and farmers may reduce their cultivated areas, leading to higher prices for consumers of organic produce.”
The farm bill outlook
Dillon stressed that bipartisanship will be required to move the farm bill forward.
“Given the election and margins in the House and Senate still being tight, we expect compromise to get it done. Budgets were looking tight at the end of 2023 and 2024 discussions for this bill. It will be challenging to get new programs funded.”
He emphasized the importance of federal investments in organics, which bring value to farmers, rural communities, and consumers.
Adcock called on lawmakers to prioritize specialty crops.
“Even modest investments in specialty crop programs can be transformative for growers often overlooked in past farm bills. These investments would enhance growers’ safety net, boost research funding and provide tools to access new international markets.”
Trade policy and tariffs
Dillon noted that potential tariffs would pose challenges for both conventional and organic agriculture.
“Organic imports largely mirror conventional imports. That includes commodities such as coffee, olive oil, chocolate, sugar and specialty crops like bananas and avocados. Most of those are not produced domestically in sufficient quantities year-round.”
He explained that the U.S. organic market is less export-dependent than conventional agriculture. That could provide some insulation from trade disruptions.
— Doug Ohlemeier, Assistant Editor
