Local agriculture continues to struggle with high labor costs, import competition
Kendall Flynn
COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Local farmers and agriculture leaders gathered in Coachella Thursday to share the challenges they’ve been facing in the industry. From high labor costs, competition or imported goods and the lack of education on local farming, leaders are asking for change.
The main concern from local farmers is the high labor cost implemented in January of a $16.50 minimum wage with a 1.5% overtime pay. While they agree workers should be paid fairly, the high cost does not align with their profits because of imported competition.
Mexico is a leading source for importing in California because of the reduced cost for labor at between $4.50 and $6 per hour. When those goods are imported at a lower cost, locals feel California goods are forgotten.
They said this is also a concern because of the high quality of California agriculture. There are many strict regulations on agriculture, especially when it comes to pests or pesticides, that ensure the products are clean, and those same regulations are not on all imported goods.
Tonight on News Channel 3 local leaders in agriculture are sharing how they have to continue to innovate their practice to stay alive in the industry, and they’re asking for help from the community to shop local.