Farm Bureau leader says labor problem creates food security risk – Brownfield Ag News

Farm Bureau Leader Highlights Labor Challenges as a Food Security Risk

Introduction

Joby Young, Executive Vice President of the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), has emphasized the urgent need to address labor shortages in U.S. agriculture. This issue poses significant risks to food security and aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Labor Shortage and Undocumented Workers

Young reported that nearly 40% of the agricultural workforce in the United States consists of undocumented workers. This substantial reliance on undocumented labor presents challenges not only for farmers and ranchers but also for society at large.

Policy Advocacy for Sustainable Labor Solutions

The American Farm Bureau Federation has been actively advocating for legislative solutions to the labor visa problem. Their goal is to establish a system that:

1. Allows for increased foreign labor visas to meet agricultural demands.
2. Supports year-round labor needs, particularly for sectors such as dairy production.
3. Ensures continuity of the agricultural and food supply chains without disruption.

Impact on Food Security and Supply Chains

Young highlighted the consequences of labor shortages witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included:

• Destruction of fresh fruits and vegetables due to inability to harvest.
• Dumping of milk products.
• Overall supply chain disruptions leading to empty store shelves.

These events underscore the critical role of labor in maintaining food production and distribution, directly impacting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Future Risks and the Need for Immediate Action

According to Young, losing more than 40% of agricultural labor would exacerbate food supply issues beyond those experienced during the pandemic, threatening national food security and economic stability.

Additional Resources

For further insights, Joby Young discussed related topics including E15 fuel, Whole Milk for Healthy Kids, and agricultural labor during the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. The audio recording is available below:

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses the risk to food security due to labor shortages in agriculture, directly relating to ending hunger and ensuring access to sufficient food.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The labor problem in agriculture, including undocumented workers and visa issues, relates to promoting sustained, inclusive economic growth and decent work for all.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The disruption in food supply chains and food waste (e.g., milk dumped, produce plowed under) touches on sustainable production and reducing food loss.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2 Targets
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
   • Target 2.3: Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including through secure and equal access to land, resources, and markets.
2. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities.
   • Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.
3. SDG 12 Targets
   • Target 12.3: Halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 2 Targets
   • Indicator 2.1.1: Prevalence of undernourishment – implied by concerns about food security risks due to labor shortages.
   • Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size – implied by the impact of labor shortages on agricultural productivity.
2. For SDG 8 Targets
   • Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities – implied by the discussion on undocumented workers and labor visa issues affecting employment.
   • Indicator 8.8.1: Frequency rates of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries – indirectly implied by the need for secure labor policies.
3. For SDG 12 Targets
   • Indicator 12.3.1: Food loss index – directly implied by references to food being plowed under and milk dumped due to supply chain disruptions.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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