On this episode of Carolina Newsmakers, Don Curtis speaks with Shawn Harding, President of the North Carolina Farm Bureau, about the challenges and opportunities facing North Carolina’s agricultural sector. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy, labor shortages, trade policies, and the impact of technology on farming.
The Role of the North Carolina Farm Bureau
Harding begins by explaining the mission of the North Carolina Farm Bureau, which was established in 1936 as an advocacy organization for farmers. Unlike a government agency, the Farm Bureau operates as a nonprofit dedicated to representing farmers at the state and national levels, advocating for policies that support agricultural growth and sustainability.
The Farm Bureau also provides insurance services to farmers, which has contributed to its success, boasting over 650,000 member families across the state. Harding describes how farmers elect the organization’s leadership annually at a convention, reinforcing the democratic and grassroots nature of the bureau.
North Carolina’s Diverse Agricultural Industry
North Carolina is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the country, ranking among the top four nationwide. Harding details the variety of crops produced in the state, including tobacco, soybeans, cotton, corn, sweet potatoes, and peanuts. He also highlights non-traditional farming industries such as Christmas tree farming, forestry, and Mount Olive’s pickle production.
Harding emphasizes the state’s unique climate, which allows for a broad range of agricultural activities, from fruit and vegetable production in the coastal and southeastern regions to livestock and Christmas trees in the mountains. This diversity plays a crucial role in North Carolina’s economy, supporting rural communities and providing essential food and resources both locally and nationally.
Labor Shortages and Immigration Policies
One of the most pressing issues facing North Carolina farmers is the labor shortage. Harding discusses the H-2A guest worker program, which allows farmers to hire seasonal agricultural workers legally. However, he notes that the program is costly, with wages for guest workers exceeding $15.50 per hour, far higher than in competing agricultural markets abroad.
Harding warns that without guest workers, many farmers, particularly those in labor-intensive industries like sweet potatoes, blueberries, and Christmas trees, would struggle to continue operations. The rising costs of hiring foreign labor and maintaining compliance with government regulations put North Carolina farmers at a competitive disadvantage compared to foreign markets where wages are significantly lower.
With immigration reform being a focal point of national policy discussions, Harding expresses concern about potential changes to guest worker programs under a new administration. While he supports securing the U.S. border, he stresses the need for an improved guest worker system that ensures a steady and affordable agricultural labor supply.
Economic Challenges and Inflation
Farmers across North Carolina are facing financial pressures due to rising input costs and inflation. Harding describes how the price of essential farming supplies—including fuel, fertilizer, and equipment—has surged in recent years. Unlike other industries, farmers cannot easily pass these costs on to consumers, forcing many to operate on razor-thin margins.
Weather-related disasters have further exacerbated financial struggles. North Carolina experienced a mix of droughts and excessive rainfall in the past year, severely impacting crops like corn. The unpredictability of weather patterns, combined with already tight profit margins, has created an uncertain future for many farming operations.
Harding calls on state lawmakers to step up and provide financial support for struggling farmers. He praises the federal government’s recent economic relief efforts for agriculture and urges the North Carolina General Assembly to follow suit by allocating state funds to assist farmers affected by extreme weather and inflation.
The Impact of Technology on Farming
Harding highlights how technological advancements are transforming modern agriculture. From GPS-guided tractors to driverless farm equipment, technology is playing a growing role in improving efficiency and productivity. However, he also points out the challenges that come with these advancements, such as the high cost of new equipment and the need for skilled technicians to maintain increasingly complex machinery.
A significant issue, Harding notes, is that when a high-tech tractor or harvester breaks down, farmers often struggle to find technicians capable of repairing it quickly. Given the short timeframes in which crops must be harvested, these delays can result in significant financial losses. He advocates for expanded vocational training programs to develop a workforce skilled in agricultural technology maintenance.
The Future of Farming in North Carolina
As the conversation concludes, Harding reflects on the future of agriculture in North Carolina. He expresses optimism about the industry’s ability to adapt but acknowledges several key concerns:
The Decline of Farmland: With North Carolina’s population surpassing 11 million and expected to reach 13 million, more farmland is being lost to urban expansion, solar farms, and economic development. Harding emphasizes the need for balanced land-use policies to ensure agriculture remains a vital part of the state’s economy.
Youth Engagement in Farming: While there is strong interest among young people in agriculture, Harding worries about the financial barriers preventing them from entering the industry. He stresses the importance of policies that provide economic incentives and support for young farmers.
State and Federal Support: Harding urges lawmakers to prioritize agriculture in legislative agendas. He calls for a stronger commitment to trade policies that expand global markets for North Carolina’s agricultural products and emphasizes the need for continued investment in research and technology to keep the industry competitive.
Conclusion
Shawn Harding’s insights provide a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities facing North Carolina’s agricultural industry. As farming continues to evolve with new technologies, economic pressures, and policy shifts, organizations like the North Carolina Farm Bureau play a crucial role in ensuring that farmers’ voices are heard at both the state and national levels.
