Our Work in Maine

What the farmers are saying

“We urge you to firmly engage in this effort and be part of the solution to the labor shortages facing Maine’s agriculture sector and to sustain our state’s economy as a whole.”

sign-on letter to Sens. Collins and King from Maine Chamber of Commerce; Harry Ricker, Owner of Ricker Hill Orchards; Jenny Tilton-Flood, Flood Brothers’ Farm; Jake Pierson, Co-Owner, Pierson’s Nursery and a member of AmericanHort; Maine State Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Dana Connors; HospitalityME President Matt Lewis, Maine Grocers and Food Producers Association Executive Director Christine Cummings, and ABIC Boardmember David Barber, Business Development Specialist, Tyson (former President and CEO of Barber Foods).

“Immigrants are critical to the nation's food supply chain. They've been essential to getting food to our grocery stores and our tables before, during and after COVID.”

David Barberformer president and CEO, Barber Foods; board president, Maine Business Immigration Coalition; board member, American Business Immigration Coalition

“We need Maine’s Senators to be committed to supporting the grit and goodness of Maine and Maine workers by supporting farm worker reform.”

Jenni Tilton-FloodFlood Brothers Farm

“With all the sacrifices farm workers have made for years, and especially during COVID, it’s time to make sure they have a path to full legal status. We hope that Senators Collins and King will join Senators Bennet and Crapo and work hard to get this legislation over the finish line.”

Jake Piersonco-owner of Pierson Nurseries and a member of AmericanHort

What the Maine press is saying

Ag businesses ask legislators for help with labor shortage | Mainebiz.biz Mainebiz, October 3, 2022

Maine farmers and business leaders want Congress to let more migrant workers into US,” Bangor Daily News, August 26, 2022 (also appeared in Maine Public, Portland Press Herald, Morning Sentinel, Sun Journal)

Worker shortage leads Maine farmers to pressure Feds for migrant worker reform,” News Center Maine, August 25, 2022

Maine farmers and business leaders urge Congress to expand migrant worker program, Maine Public Radio, Aug 25, 2022 (Also appeared in Bangor Daily News)

Maine farmers struggle with labor shortage, push for immigration reform,” Portland Press Herald, Aug 25 (Also appeared in the Sun Journal, Yahoo, print edition of Waterville ME Morning Sentinel)

Maine Voices: Welcoming new Mainers will address our labor shortage,” Press Herald, July 6, 2022