Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) has raised concerns over labor shortages caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown, warning that delays in processing H-2A visa applications could affect the state's citrus harvest.
"The potential absence of a legal workforce may be the greatest adverse impact the government shutdown has on Florida's citrus industry," said FCM Executive Vice President and CEO Matt Joyner. He noted that while improved technologies and a calm hurricane season have supported production, growers now face challenges harvesting due to the lack of workers.
FCM, alongside the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) and the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, urged the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to resume processing H-2A labor certifications. "We encouraged the OMB to deem the processing of applications an 'essential activity' allowing DOL employees to return to work and resume certifications as quickly as possible," Joyner said.
Processing has since resumed, but FCM expects delays to continue. The organisation is working with NCAE to collect data on pending applications and highlight potential economic impacts if workforce shortages persist.
Florida Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26) met with growers to discuss the issue and later praised President Donald Trump, Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and OMB Director Russ Vought for restoring H-2A processing during the shutdown.
Joyner also pointed to further disruptions, including delays in federal disaster relief payments, the Block Grant program, USDA fruit purchases, and research projects.
Source: Citrus Industry
