By Jamie Martin
Georgia’s farmers are grappling with significant wage increases for migrant agricultural workers under the federal H-2A program.
This program, designed to fill farm jobs when domestic labor is insufficient, sets higher pay rates for migrant workers to prevent undercutting U.S. workers. The current wage hike has raised concerns among farmers and advocates alike.
For 2024, H-2A wages in Georgia are rising from $14.68 to $16.08 per hour, a 9.5% increase compared to the national civilian wage growth of 3.9%.
This has led to concerns about the financial strain on Georgia’s agriculture sector, valued at $83.6 billion in 2022. Farmers also bear extra costs for visa fees, travel, and housing, further stretching their budgets.
Migrant worker advocates argue that many laborers, despite enduring tough conditions, do not receive fair compensation. "All of us, including farmers, including consumers, we all are benefiting from this labor, from these farm workers," said a legal services director, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment.
The H-2A program has faced issues such as substandard living conditions, illegal fees charged by recruiters, and wage theft. Workers often live in overcrowded housing and endure long hours without guaranteed breaks. Their legal constraints tie them to specific employers, leaving little room to challenge exploitation.
While wage hikes could incentivize better conditions or attract more domestic labor, enforcement remains crucial to ensure workers benefit. Georgia continues to host one of the largest numbers of H-2A workers, most of whom support extended families back home.
With rising costs and ethical concerns, Georgia’s farming community and policymakers must balance economic stability and fair treatment of the labor force.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National