Who Will Harvest? Immigration Policy and Labor Dependence in Florida’s Specialty Crop Sectors
Samiul Haque(a), A. Malek Hammami(a), and Hayk Khachatryan(a)
(a)University of Florida/IFAS
JEL Codes: J61, J43, Q12, Q18
Keywords: agricultural labor, deportation shock, immigration enforcement, specialty crops
First Published Online: May 6, 2026
Abstract
Florida’s nursery, greenhouse, and floriculture (NGF) sector and fruit and vegetable (FV) sector are among the most labor-intensive in US agriculture, with hired labor comprising 25%–40% of production costs. Both depend heavily on unauthorized workers. Using a transparent simulation framework, we estimate the short-run effects of deporting 25%–75% of unauthorized workers. Results show substantial increases in production costs, reduced output, sales losses, and significant job cuts in both sectors. These findings underscore the sectors’ vulnerability to mass deportation and highlight the urgent need for multipronged responses.
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Theme Overview: Implications of New Immigration Policies for Specific US Agricultural Sectors
Stephen Devadoss
Immigration Reform and Implications for the US Fruit Industry
Diane E. Charlton
Impacts of Deportation on Employment, Wages, and Output in California Vegetable Production
Umesh Gautama and Stephen Devadoss
Who Will Harvest? Immigration Policy and Labor Dependence in Florida’s Specialty Crop Sectors
Samiul Haque, A. Malek Hammami, and Hayk Khachatryan
Deportation Effects on the Dairy Industry
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