BAKERSFIELD, CA. — California is facing a farm worker shortage, according to a recent report.
The California Farm Bureau surveyed more than 1,000 farmers in California and 70 percent of them said they had trouble hiring employees in 2017 and 2018.
Jim Beagle, co-owner of Grapery, a vineyard in Shafter, California said he is among those farmers struggling to find employees.
"Over the last few years, it has become more difficult for us to find the people we need, when we need them," said Beagle.
Beagle said changing immigration policies is contributing to the lack of labor.
But the United Farm Workers Foundation said the labor is here, especially in Kern County.
According to the advocacy group, farmers and corporations are now facing more competition within the industry -- and don't want to compete for labor.
