Chris Carr Looks to Trump Administration to Address Labor Costs for Georgia Farmers
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, who is also vying for the state’s governorship, is calling on the incoming Trump administration to intervene and curb rising wages for migrant farm workers. His concerns center around the rising costs of labor for Georgia’s agricultural industry, which relies heavily on migrant workers, many of whom enter the U.S. through the federal H-2A visa program. With wages set to increase significantly, Carr warns that Georgia farmers may struggle to keep their operations affordable.
Carr’s office has urged President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees for Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of Labor, Brooke Rollins and Lori Chavez-DeRemer, to work with the state to address the issue. In a letter, Carr stressed that the state’s agriculture industry—an economic powerhouse in Georgia—could be in jeopardy due to the escalating wage rates for migrant laborers.
“Our office’s request is to work with you and the Trump Administration to address the rising wage rate before Georgia farming simply becomes unaffordable,” Carr wrote. His letter emphasized the interconnectedness of the agricultural sector with national food security, economic stability, and overall U.S. security.
H-2A Program Wage Increase
The federal H-2A program provides temporary visas to foreign workers when there is a shortage of U.S. workers to fill agricultural jobs. The program’s wage rates are set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor, with a goal to ensure that foreign workers are paid fairly, while also preventing exploitation of low-wage workers.
The wage rates for H-2A workers have been climbing steadily. In Georgia, the pay rate for migrant workers will rise from $14.68 per hour to $16.08 per hour, marking a significant 9.5% increase. Nationally, the U.S. Farm Bureau reports that the wage rate for H-2A workers will increase by an average of 4.5%. For comparison, civilian wages across the U.S. increased by 3.9% from September 2023 to September 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This pay increase has sparked concern among Georgia’s farming community. While the wage bump is designed to ensure workers are compensated for their labor, farmers argue that the new wage rates, coupled with additional costs such as visa fees, travel, and lodging, will make it increasingly difficult for them to remain profitable.
The increase also varies by region, with some areas seeing larger jumps than others. For instance, in Georgia, where agriculture plays a major role in the state’s economy, farmers are particularly worried about the rising wages, given that the state’s agricultural output reached $83.6 billion in 2022, according to the University of Georgia’s Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development.
Georgia’s Agricultural Economy at Risk
Carr’s office has been vocal about the potential risks these wage increases pose to Georgia’s agricultural economy. The state’s farming industry is a cornerstone of its economy, contributing significantly to employment and state revenue. Agriculture and related industries account for roughly 323,000 jobs in Georgia, many of which rely on migrant labor under the H-2A program.
In response to the rising costs, Carr has expressed frustration with what he describes as a lack of transparency in how wage rates are determined. His office believes that the federal government’s method of calculating these wages is unclear and not reflective of the unique economic pressures faced by farmers in Georgia.
“Georgia’s agriculture industry is vital to the state’s economy,” Carr wrote. “If the government continues to raise costs for farmers, we risk damaging an entire sector that provides thousands of jobs and supports the local economy.”
The issue is compounded by the fact that Georgia farmers already face financial strain from various other sources, including unpredictable weather patterns, fluctuating market prices for crops, and rising input costs. For these reasons, Carr is calling on the federal government to take immediate action and reconsider how the wage rate adjustments are applied.
Farmers Voice Concerns About Rising Costs
Georgia farmers have echoed Carr’s concerns, with many fearing that the wage increases will lead to even greater financial burdens. Besides the higher wages for migrant laborers, farmers are also grappling with additional costs related to visa processing and worker housing. The combination of rising labor costs and logistical expenses could price many farmers out of business, leading to a loss of jobs and a decline in agricultural production.
Moreover, Carr’s office contends that the federal government has not provided sufficient information regarding the methodology used to calculate these wage rates, leaving farmers uncertain about how to adjust their budgets. Without a clear understanding of how these rates are determined, farmers argue that they are at a disadvantage when trying to maintain profitability in an already difficult industry.
Some advocates for migrant workers, however, argue that the rising wages are necessary to address the inequities that migrant laborers face in agriculture. These workers often perform physically demanding, dangerous tasks in difficult conditions, and advocates argue they should be compensated fairly for their work.
Additionally, despite the wage increases, many migrant workers still don’t receive what they are owed, and laborers are often subjected to unsafe working environments. As such, supporters of fair pay for farm workers argue that these wage hikes are long overdue and crucial for improving working conditions in agriculture.
The Broader Debate
The rising wages for migrant farm workers in Georgia highlight a broader debate about the intersection of labor rights, immigration policy, and the economy. As the debate continues to unfold, both farmers and labor advocates will be looking to the incoming administration to address the growing tension between ensuring fair wages for workers and keeping the agricultural industry viable.
Carr’s request for intervention by the Trump administration underscores the challenges farmers face in an increasingly competitive and uncertain marketplace. With the future of Georgia’s agricultural economy at stake, this issue will likely continue to be a key point of contention as policymakers seek a balance between economic priorities and workers’ rights.
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