Some farmers are worried about planting and harvesting crops this year, after changes in immigration laws may reduce the number of immigrant workers they will be able to use. Some say that they are changing their practices, including planting less or using new techniques that are less labor intensive. Last year's harvest was effected by the changes, with farmers reporting unpicked crops due to labor shortages. The changes have drawn criticism from some who say it is too restrictive, while others say that it is not flexible enough. But defenders of the program say that the problem is not with the program, but with the farmers who are not willing to accept the conditions of the H-2A program.
See "After immigration crackdown, Ga. and Ala. farmers unsure about crop size amid labor concerns", The Associated Press, The Washington Post, January 19, 2012