Higher Pay Answer to Farm Labor Shortage

MSNBC reports that farmers have unpicked crops lying in the fields due to a labor shortage. They say that part of the reason is tighter borders. I say that is good news -- at least the tighter borders part. If the farmers need more workers they should try offering higher wages.

Another reason given for the farm labor shortage is that construction firms are "actually recruiting workers from the sides of the fields." Again, the reason construction firms can do that is because they are offering higher pay or better benefits. All the farmers have to do is match or exceed what the construction firms are offering to keep their workers. It is really that simple.

The farmers argue that higher labor wages will force them out of the market; that people won't pay the resulting higher price for their products. Well, if they won't then apparently they didn't need the products in the first place. Because I guarantee that people are going to have to eat something. They will pay market price for food, whatever that is. If a lot of apples and oranges rot on the trees, then the price of apples and oranges will rise -- and then perhaps the farmers can afford to pay their pickers more.

If farmers are so dependent on Mexican labor, then perhaps they should consider moving their farms to Mexico.

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