George P. Radanovich: “as a Member of Congress from the San Joaquin Valley of California, I am proud to represent the two largest agricultural…”

“as a Member of Congress from the San Joaquin Valley of California, I am proud to represent the two largest agricultural producing counties in the United States. Currently, a severe shortage of labor is raising concern over the economic future of the agriculture community throughout California. Agricultural production is nearly a $25 billion industry in the state, and California has the largest agricultural economy in the nation. Right now, farmers are competing for the same scarce labor force as the raisin, table and wine grape harvest is entering its peak and tree fruit in the state of Washington and are in need of labor. California has not seen a labor shortage of this magnitude since World War II. The agricultural community has worked with numerous San Joaquin Valley Social Services Departments and Employment Development Departments to provide needed labor from individuals who are unemployed or entering the workforce after receiving welfare. Such actions have failed to supply adequate labor for harvest. Agricultural groups in Fresno, California are currently looking into the feasibility of a program through the Fresno County Sheriff's office to allow agriculture to use the labor involved with work furlough programs, community service, and inmate work projects. The agricultural labor situation can be alleviated through action by the federal government.”