As the ag sector of the nation takes a big economic hit due to the coronavirus, President Trump’s Administration looks to relieve the economic burden by reducing wage rates for foreign, guest workers.
Ag industry leaders are torn with this decision. The VP of United Farm Workers, Erick Nicholson, opposes the plan and says that finding a cheaper way to do things is not the answer. He goes on to say, “We need to make sure we live up to the expectations society has of us as an industry to keep food flowing.”
Lee Wicker, the Deputy Director of NC Growers Association, is for President Trump’s plan. Wicker claims that the food industry is that of a national security issue and lowering wages could allow for a conversation on ag policy and how to keep the industry sustainable.
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