By Clint Thompson
Alabama is not a large user of the H-2A program. But it is vital to those specialty crop producers who rely on it for an adequate labor force. That’s why it is concerning to hear some growers in the central part of the state not receiving their workforce in a timely manner.
David Lawrence, regional Extension agent in central Alabama, highlighted the issues that some of his farmers are having and the lingering impact that it could have this spring.
“I’ve heard there’s been some hangups with the H-2A labor, getting guys over here for the correct date. They may be a little bit behind on getting guys here. A lot of our peach guys wait to prune and thin; that’s what they rely on, is the H-2A labor to get all of that done. If they’re not getting here until April or May, they’re going to be scrambling trying to get some of those springtime tasks done,” Lawrence said.
“Alabama, as a whole state doesn’t use a lot, but a lot of growers here in central Alabama, the peach growers, they rely on it. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know that they would make it. We don’t use a lot compared to Georgia and Florida but we do have some growers that strictly rely on it. They’re sitting here waiting to see what happens.”
Certified H-2A Positions
According to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification, Alabama certified 3,109 H-2A positions in 2023, representing 1.8% of the total certified positions across the U.S. Peach growers need their labor force in place to handle duties like pruning and thinning ahead of harvest season. A lack of personnel is a problem producers want to avoid.
“It’s a numbers game, trying to cover several hundred acres with limited personnel. It’s something that they’re thinking about right now,” Lawrence said.