New Mexico Chili Association advocates for agricultural labor and immigration reform

Farmers and ranchers are facing significant challenges in the agricultural economy, particularly regarding labor shortages and trade issues, as highlighted in the recent U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry hearing. The meeting underscored the critical reliance on the H-2A program to fill gaps in agricultural employment, especially for hand-harvested crops like produce, which cannot be easily mechanized.

The New Mexico Chili Association emphasized the urgent need for continued development of automation solutions for the chili industry, with support from the USDA. However, the current H-2A program is viewed as inadequate, burdened by high costs and complex paperwork. Stakeholders are calling for reforms to create a more efficient and fair immigration system that can better support agricultural labor needs.

Additionally, trade and tariff issues were highlighted as pressing concerns, with domestic red chile production in the Southwest plummeting by 50% since 2018. This decline reflects broader challenges faced by growers in adapting to changing market conditions.

The discussions at the hearing point to a critical need for policy changes that address labor shortages and trade barriers, which are essential for the sustainability of the agricultural sector. As the committee considers these issues, the hope is that actionable solutions will emerge to support farmers and ranchers in navigating these complex challenges.