Farmworkers across the state are reacting to the recent announcement from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stating there will be no amnesty for those workers despite the president hinting otherwise.
“No amnesty under any circumstances,” Rollins said. “Mass deportations continue, but at a strategic and intentional way as we move our workforce toward more automation and a 100% American workforce.”
Since the announcement, some farmers said the environment at a San Jose farmers market has been replaced with dread and fear.
Joe Aliotti has coordinated the farmers market for 26 years, and said this is another blow to the local faltering agriculture industry.
“They can’t run their farm without Hispanics and the Asians because they’re running and hiding,” he said. “And to get, you know, our ‘American’ people into the industry is a joke because they’re not used to that kind of work. It’s hard work.”
Rollins suggested in her remarks that many adults on Medicaid could take the farmworkers’ jobs.
The Santa Clara County agriculture division said it supports farmers and workers and will provide information and advice on the county website. Information will also include referrals to the Rapid Response Network,
Helena Roberts, the deputy agricultural commissioner in Santa Clara County, said the president is disconnected from the industry and should learn more about how food gets to the table.
“Talk with the growers, with the field workers, with what is actually happening in the fields,” Roberts said. “How we harvest. How we do our agricultural practices in order to bring good quality food.”
Several farmers said their businesses are at risk, but declined to comment using their names out of fear of retaliation.
Source: NBC Bay Area
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