WZZM – TV 13 (Michigan)

November 2, 2006

Shortage of migrant workers has local farmers concerned

Sarah Sell

Michigan's apple season is winding down, but some local farmers are behind in their picking and concerned about their future. The problem deals with migrant workers.

In November, the apple picking season is usually done. But for some of the farmers, there was a delay. There aren't enough migrant workers to go around. Michigan is the third largest producer of apples and farmers rely on migrant help. Denise Yockey of the Michigan Apple Committee blames part of the problem on a crack down on immigration. She says, “Some of the workers who didn't have the documentation that they need, so they decided that they wouldn't come to the United States this year."

The workers usually get a special work visa, and some were able to get the paperwork, but were delayed getting to Michigan. That pushed the season back. Kent County farmer Rob Steffen got his apples picked just in time, but some of his friends, didn't. He says, “The apples are going to the ground. I don't know what they re going to be able to do with those."

So, what is the solution to the migrant shortage? Some farmers say there needs to be a guest worker program. Steffen says, “It's got to be simple. It can't be cumbersome. It's something that shouldn't have to be done every year. These people should be able to get a pass for at least 3 years."

Some would argue that the migrant workers are stealing jobs from perfectly capable American workers. But, some farmers say they aren't getting response from people who want to do the work. Picking apples is temporary work and it's physically demanding. One misconception is the pay. Here in West Michigan, farmers say their migrant workers make anywhere from $9 to $15 an hour.