WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday’s release of new federal dietary guidelines urging Americans to eat more “real food” like whole milk, butter, red meat, fruits, and vegetables spotlights a growing disconnect in national policy: while consumers are encouraged to choose more farm-fresh, nutritious foods, America’s agricultural sector faces labor shortages that threaten our ability to meet this demand, and risk higher grocery bills for American families.
The American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) urges the Trump Administration and Congress to address this crisis by enacting solutions, such as work permits for hard-working, law-abiding, long-term immigrant workers who provide farmers with access to a stable workforce. Without action, the promise of healthier diets for American families risks going unfulfilled.
In response, Rebecca Shi, CEO of ABIC, said:
“The new dietary guidelines recognize the importance of wholesome, American-grown foods, but overlook a key reality: we cannot put real food on America’s tables without real people working on our farms. President Trump is right: we need work permits for long-term law-abiding farm workers to allow our farmers to meet rising demand, ensure our food supply is secure, and American families have access to the healthy foods they deserve.”
Jenni Tilton Flood, Flood Brothers Farms in Maine, said:
“We take pride in producing the milk, butter, and nutritious dairy foods that feed our neighbors and the nation. But every year, it gets harder to find enough skilled and dedicated workers to keep our farms running and our cows cared for. If we don’t fix our immigration system, secure our workforce, and combat labor shortages, we simply won’t be able to keep up with demand and steward our herds and productive agricultural land. We need action now so we can continue to deliver fresh, healthy food to America’s tables.”
Matt Teagarden, CEO Kansas Livestock Association, said:
“Like many others in our industry, we struggle every day to find enough workers to keep our operations running smoothly. Without common-sense solutions, the entire supply chain—from farms to processing plants to grocery stores—is at risk. To meet the goals the Trump Administration has put forward for American nutrition, we need a stable, legal workforce to keep our businesses operating.”