Joe Rasch Orchards – Grower Katie Vargas
Location: Conklin, MI
Grower: Katie Vargas
Website: joeraschorchards.com
Social Media: Joe Rasch Orchards, Katie Vargas
Joe Rasch Orchards, a sixth-generation Michigan Apple orchard, stands as a testament to resilience and dedication in the face of adversity. Amid the escalating H-2A labor cost crisis, the farm navigates significant challenges threatening its longstanding heritage. Katie Vargas, daughter of Joe and Mary Rasch, works alongside her mother, father, and husband Manuel on their multi-generational farm. As a dedicated board member of US Apple and an experienced advocate in Washington, D.C., Katie sheds light on the pressing issues within the apple industry, particularly labor challenges.
Meet Joe Rasch Orchards:
Katie brings a unique perspective on the complexities of contracting and employing H-2A laborers, having previously worked as an agent for H-2A programs. The industry’s most significant challenge today is the wage increase for these workers. Over the past decade, wages have surged dramatically, reaching $18.50 an hour as a base rate, which far exceeds most states’ minimum wage. This wage does not include additional costs such as housing, visa fees, and transportation, all of which the farmers cover.
Moreover, the industry is grappling with a surge of new regulations. With 3,000 pages of regulatory changes in the past 18 months alone, keeping up has become a formidable task. Katie believes these issues contribute to a broader societal disconnect. “Many people do not understand the complexities and flexibility required to own and operate a farm, nor the constant adjustments farmers must make,” shared Katie.
Fond Memories, Tough Decisions:
Farm workers are increasingly worried about the sustainability of their jobs as wages continue to rise. This anxiety reflects the broader uncertainty within the industry. Joe Rasch Orchards, for instance, had to make the tough decision to cease producing cherries due to the unsustainable wage costs. This decision was particularly poignant for Katie, who has fond memories of selling cherries with her family at local markets. “The most frustrating part is that it wasn’t the weather that changed this or anything out of anyone’s control; it was the wages, which are in someone’s control,” Katie expressed.
To address these challenges, Katie advocates for an immediate pause on the AEWR rate at last year’s level, which she notes is already well above the market rate. This pause would give farmers the crucial time needed to develop a sustainable plan. In the long term, Katie calls for comprehensive changes that would give farmers a voice in discussions about regulations and wage structures, ensuring policies supporting farm sustainability and worker welfare.
Remaining Optimistic:
Despite these challenges, Katie remains optimistic about the future of produce marketing. She emphasizes the importance of keeping the industry attractive to consumers and building consumption. Furthermore, she sees a growing need to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers, sharing the authentic stories of those who work tirelessly to bring produce to our tables.
Joe Rasch Orchards exemplifies the resilience and dedication needed to overcome industry challenges. As they continue to advocate for change and adapt to evolving circumstances, their story is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting our farmers and understanding the complexities of the agricultural industry.
