🍎 Washington state is on track to match a record-breaking apple harvest this year. Orchards are bursting with fruit, but there’s a catch: fewer hands to pick it.
At the heart of the challenge is the H-2A visa program. For growers short on local labor, it’s a lifeline that brings in seasonal workers. Yet the administrative fees, housing requirements, and paperwork push costs higher, squeezing farm budgets.
Many farmers welcome the extra help but worry about rising bills. “We’re thrilled about the crop size, but the costs keep climbing,” admits one orchard owner. 😬
Lose the timing, and perfect apples risk rotting on the trees—harvest windows in fall are unforgiving. 🍂
The debate now centers on balancing labor needs and affordability. Growers are calling for streamlined visa processes and stronger local recruitment to ensure these apples reach our tables in style.
As autumn approaches, Washington’s orchards will show whether policy tweaks, community efforts, or new innovations can save the day. 🍏
CGTN’s Rosa Kazan brings this story straight from Washington’s apple country.
Reference(s):
Washington state’s apple crops threatened by shrinking workforce
cgtn.com
