UNITY, Maine (AP) Farmers in Maine say they are losing crops because there’s an ongoing shortage of farmhands.
Unity farmer Jim Buckle says they would usually be working with three farmhands _ this year they’re only working with one. The Bangor Daily News reports the farmhand shortage is affecting farmers who specialize in produce and livestock.
The labor shortage is part of a national trend where a low unemployment rate and a tight labor market means many industries have trouble retaining qualified seasonal laborers.
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension will hold an emergency listening session on Thursday, Aug. 30 to discuss the ongoing labor shortage issue.
