At a time when water scarcity is increasingly recognized as a concrete threat to the stability of agricultural production, the availability of labor also fully enters among the critical factors for the future of horticulture and, in particular, the berry supply chain.
While in the case of water we speak of shared needs and systemic impacts requiring transparency and cooperation, the labor issue presents more complex and contradictory nuances: on one side the collective need to act responsibly, on the other the competitive opportunities for those able to manage labor more efficiently.
A global shortage
Today, with the exception of some areas of Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, almost all blueberry- and berry-producing regions suffer from a growing shortage of agricultural workers, especially during harvest periods. This phenomenon, already well-established in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, and the UK, has also started to appear in Chile and Eastern Europe. But the most significant change concerns precisely those countries that, until a few years ago, represented the main sources of migrant labor.
An emblematic case is Mexico, traditionally the heart of agricultural labor for the United States. Until 2010–2015, the internal availability of workers seemed unaffected by migrations abroad. Today, however, many agricultural areas in the country’s center depend on internal migratory flows and even on labor from Central American countries. Along these lines, a recent agreement between the Mexican Senate and the Guatemalan government, promoted by AHIFORES and the Mexican Agricultural Council (CNA), has been signed.
Another relevant example is Morocco, where in recent years there have been serious labor problems in the spring months, especially during Ramadan, which coincides with harvest peaks. Some producers are considering the use of workers from the Atlas or neighboring countries such as Senegal, Tunisia, and Algeria. A paradox for a country with high youth unemployment rates.
A strategy is needed
The conclusion is clear: migrant labor will remain an essential component for the survival of horticulture and agribusiness. For this reason, reform and updating of migrant labor programs is urgently needed. It is necessary to build a network of collaboration between agricultural enterprises, governments, and international organizations such as ILO, IOM, and MPI, as well as national entities like SIZA (South Africa), AHIFORES (Mexico), ETF (Spain), FNET, and FPC (UK).
Among the best practices to develop and share are Canadian models, the U.S. H-2A program under revision, the policies of the UK Home Office, and active agricultural migration programs in Portugal.
Innovating in the field
Even individual initiatives can make a difference, starting with better organization of labor flows, the use of robots and harvest machines, proper tools, and productivity incentives (such as the revision of Article 3 in Spain). Other examples include:
- Genetic improvements of varieties to facilitate harvesting
- Vegetative/generative balance
- Adoption of innovations such as Hortifrut’s naturAll system
- Careful management of density and nutrition (e.g. nitrogen reduction)
- Dignified working conditions: adequate toilets and rest areas
- Ongoing training and intercultural appreciation
In Portugal, for example, there are companies that manage up to 15 different nationalities within the same field.
Finally, an ambitious but fundamental goal: making agricultural work an attractive and respected choice, even in the eyes of consumers and clients.
Looking ahead
Three final considerations deserve attention:
IBO has launched "BlueCareers," a section dedicated to job opportunities in the sector, available on the official portal. A useful tool to match labor supply and demand.
The reduction of weekly hours in countries like Spain and Mexico represents a potentially critical obstacle: during the peak season, weekly hours drop from over 60 to just 38, with major impacts on harvesting.
Even Guatemala, from which Mexico is now seeking labor, is beginning to register shortages in its agricultural sector. Further proof that the labor issue can no longer be managed in a fragmented way, but must be addressed with global vision and multilateral cooperation.
Text and image source: internationalblueberry.org
