On July 1, a housewife, Mrs. Jang, visited a large market in the Valley and was shocked to find fewer vegetables and fruits, in poorer condition, yet at higher prices. Jang said, “The lettuce was wilted, and staples like onions and tomatoes were in short supply with prices up. Honestly, meat is so expensive that I’m eating more vegetables, but now vegetable prices are skyrocketing too.

”Intensified crackdowns by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have led to a sharp decline in farmworkers, leaving crops like fruits and vegetables to rot, causing severe harvest disruptions. This is impacting the national food supply chain, raising fears of further increases in already high grocery prices. Harvest disruptions are not only affecting fresh produce but also driving up prices for countless food products containing vegetables. Experts warn that while supply chain issues have not yet fully hit consumer prices, they will soon lead to higher costs for produce and various food items.

Reuters reported on June 30 that severe harvest shortages have hit California’s key agricultural regions, including Ventura and Kern Counties. The Trump administration’s expansion of immigration enforcement into agriculture has caused many immigrant farmworkers, who make up the majority of the workforce, to stop showing up for work.California is a critical hub for U.S. agriculture. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the state produces over 75% of the nation’s fruits and nuts and more than 30% of its vegetables.However, with farmworkers avoiding work due to immigration crackdowns, unharvested fruits and vegetables are rotting in the fields.

One farm manager told Reuters, “We typically need 300 workers for harvesting, but only 80 showed up this time.” Another farm reported just 17 workers for a job requiring 80.Many of these workers avoid work due to their undocumented status. A significant reduction in their numbers could severely disrupt the food supply chain and agricultural economy.A Korean market representative noted, “If the produce supply chain is hit, prices for Korean staples like cabbage, green onions, onions, potatoes, spinach, and cucumbers will rise. Beyond prices, securing enough supply is also a concern.

”Douglas Holtz-Eakin, former Congressional Budget Office director, said, “About 80% of farmworkers are foreign-born, with over half undocumented. If they leave, consumer prices will undoubtedly rise. ”This labor shortage is reducing production and pushing up food prices. Ventura County farmer Lisa Tate said, “Seventy percent of our crops are going unharvested and wasted. Most Americans don’t want these jobs, putting many farms at risk of bankruptcy.

”President Trump has acknowledged that ICE crackdowns are affecting skilled workers in agriculture and hospitality but has not yet adjusted policy. Last month, he briefly ordered a pause on agricultural enforcement, only to reverse it within a day, adding to the confusion. Economists note, “Filling the gaps left by departing immigrants is challenging. American workers often pursue different jobs than native-born or immigrant workers.

”By Hwandong Cho, Reporter