Protect our Produce episode 134

Protect our Produce-Michigan’s Produce Industry Is in Trouble — Here’s Why You Should Care

Episode 134 of the Discover Montcalm Podcast welcomes Jamie Clover Adams from ProtectOurProduce.com, and she’s sounding the alarm: Michigan’s $6 billion fresh produce industry is in real danger.

Host and producer Duane Weed dives into this critical conversation with Jamie, who breaks down how outdated federal wage policies are squeezing the life out of local farms. The Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), a federally mandated wage system for H-2A guestworkers, has skyrocketed over the last decade—up more than 50%! That unpredictability is forcing farmers to make hard decisions, and in many cases, walk away from growing the produce that’s been part of Michigan’s identity for generations.

A Crisis in Numbers

To put things in perspective, since AEWR took hold, 16,000 acres of fruits and vegetables have been lost in Michigan—that’s about 11,765 football fields. Why? Because labor costs have become unsustainable.

• Michigan produce farms: Labor costs = up to 55%

• Auto industry: Labor costs = ~7%

• Restaurants: Labor costs = ~32%

Jamie explains that growers simply can’t keep up when they’re competing against lower-priced imports and unpredictable wage hikes.

Protect our Produce Real Voices, Real Impact

This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about families, legacy, and our food system. In the episode, Jamie shares quotes from Michigan farmers facing heartbreaking choices:

“We have not replanted asparagus on our farm for three years now… Labor has created an issue whether we’re going to continue down this road.”
— Bill Schwass, Springdale Farms, Scottville, MI

“As a father… you really struggle if it’s sustainable long term for [your kids].”
— Mike Wittenbach, Wittenbach Orchards, Belding, MI

What’s at Stake for Michigan?

This isn’t just a farming issue — it’s an econo