Source: USA Today
by Linda Pryor
“Every August I stand in the orchards of my family’s farm in Henderson County, North Carolina, looking at over 6 million pounds of apples on the trees. I’m consumed with worry and anticipation. Without enough workers to harvest on time, those apples and months of hard work could spoil right in these orchards. … I try to hire domestic employees from the community, but the reality is farm work is physically demanding and requires long hours. Americans clearly don’t want farm jobs, or they’re looking for a job that lasts longer than a season. On the rare occasion they do apply, few decide it’s the right fit for them and most resign quickly. … The stakes couldn’t be higher. Fruits and vegetables ripen on nature’s timeline, not ours. … This isn’t just about farmers. It’s about every family that counts on affordable, healthy food.” (10/02/25)