During the 2024 campaign, promises were made to reduce grocery costs. Yet, the implementation of executive orders on immigration by the president seems to be impacting the agricultural sector adversely, particularly in California's Central Valley. According to NBC Bay Area, the citrus harvest there has experienced a significant slowdown, with migrant farmworkers abstaining from work due to the crackdown on undocumented immigrants. This disruption comes at a critical time, as it coincides with the peak of the citrus harvest season, raising concerns about potential shortages of oranges in grocery stores.
Norm Groot, the Executive Director of the Monterey County Farm Bureau, expressed his concerns to NBC Bay Area, stating, "Certainly very concerned about what is happening and how that is unfolding." He highlighted the direct consequence of the labor shortage, where "crops will remain in the field and not be harvested and probably lost at that point." This situation not only affects citrus but also other essential commodities. Recent reports indicate rising prices for eggs and coffee, suggesting a broader impact on the cost of food staples.
Source: RawStory
