Fresno County asparagus harvest photo by Edward Smith

The California Farm Bureau stated in a news release Thursday that despite reported concerns among some farm employees, it has not observed widespread workforce disruptions across the state. The California Farm Bureau represents more than 26,000 farms and ranches.

“We recognize that some workers may feel uncertain right now, and we want to be very clear: California agriculture depends on and values its workforce,” said Bryan Little, senior director of policy advocacy at the California Farm Bureau, in a news release. 

There have been local reports of work absences on farms, with some estimates as high as 75% of crews not showing. That follows a series of local operations by federal immigration agents that many say targeted farm laborers. 

That was before Pres. Donald Trump took office.

California is home to a third of the nation’s agricultural workforce. Little noted that without these workers, crops would go unharvested, rural businesses would be impacted and food prices could rise across the country. 

He also emphasized agriculture’s wider economic influence, noting that it sustains jobs in industries like food processing, transportation, and equipment manufacturing.

“This isn’t just about filling jobs—it’s about ensuring security and stability for the agricultural workforce and the farmers who depend on them,” Little said. 

Little called for immigration policy reforms to support agricultural stability. He outlined three key priorities with hopes of a long-term solution: modernizing the H-2A agricultural visa program to better meet labor demands, providing earned legal status for current farm workers and implementing immigration policies that ensure workforce stability while reflecting the realities of farming in California.

The Farm Bureau cautioned against enforcement actions that could destabilize the industry while maintaining support for legal immigration policies.

“We need policies that offer real solutions rather than uncertainty,” Little said. “It’s like pulling the foundation out from under a house. If we want a strong agricultural economy and a secure food supply, we need solutions that reflect the reality of farming—not blanket enforcement measures that put the entire agricultural system at risk.”

The California Farm Bureau continues to monitor workforce conditions by contacting worker advocates, policymakers, and agricultural leaders. 

“California Farm Bureau will continue to advocate for practical, compassionate solutions that protect our workforce, stabilize our industry and secure America’s food supply,” Little said. “California agriculture is strong, and our message to farm employees is simple. You are essential. You are valued. And farmers will continue to stand with you. As harvest season approaches in key growing areas, we will do everything in our power to ensure a stable and secure workforce, a dependable food supply and a strong agricultural economy for the future.”