The American H-2A program broke a record in 2020 with 275,430 workers certified from other countries to work in temporary jobs. This number was up significantly from 258,406 the previous year. Wage rates are also increasing at an average of five per cent across all states for 2022.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, California has the highest 2022 wage rate at $17.51 per hour while Georgia has the lowest rate at $11.99 per hour.

Coincidentally, California accounts for almost 70 per cent of America’s total fruit and vegetable production. These statistics are based on 2019. Link here:  https://bit.ly/311tTJM

The top 10 states for fruit and vegetable production are:

1. California
2. Washington
3. Florida
4. Arizona
5. Georgia
6. Oregon
7. Michigan
8. North Carolina
9. New York
10. Michigan 

Source:  U.S. Department of Labor/Western Growers