The latest round of tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico imports is expected to drive up demand for U.S. agricultural products. On the surface, this appears to be a win for American farmers. Higher demand should translate into greater profits, more investment in domestic agriculture, and increased economic activity in rural communities. But there’s a glaring problem: labor.

For years, American agriculture has faced an escalating labor crisis. Farming is one of the most labor-intensive industries in the country, and it has long relied on migrant workers to fill the labor gaps that American workers simply won’t take. However, the current administration’s aggressive crackdown on immigration is exacerbating an already dire situation. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 50% of hired farmworkers are immigrants, and with tougher immigration policies, many farms are struggling to find enough workers. A 2022 survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation found that 56% of farmers had difficulty finding workers, with some regions experiencing even higher shortages. In 2024, the U.S. faced a shortfall of approximately 2.4 million agricultural workers, which account more than 50% of the existing workforce, further straining the industry.

Without enough hands to plant, harvest, and process crops, many farmers are finding themselves unable to meet the very demand that these tariffs are meant to create. Labor-intensive crops like fruits, vegetables, and nuts are particularly vulnerable, with some farmers resorting to leaving crops unharvested due to a lack of available workers. The National Council of Agricultural Employers estimates that the U.S. farm labor shortage costs the industry billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and unharvested crops. Compounding the issue is the fact that many undocumented immigrants are currently working in agriculture, performing jobs that most American workers are unwilling to take due to the physically demanding nature of farm labor.

Instead of bolstering U.S. agriculture, these conflicting policies are putting American farmers in an impossible position. The promise of increased demand is meaningless if there aren’t enough workers to bring crops to market. Farmers are left scrambling, unable to expand production at the scale necessary to capitalize on these trade shifts.

This is where automation comes in.

Automation can help mitigate the labor shortage by improving efficiency and reducing reliance on manual labor. For example, smart irrigation systems equipped with AI can detect and alert farmers to leaks, preventing water waste and reducing the need for manual inspections. Automated harvesters and robotic fruit pickers can take over the physically demanding task of collecting crops, ensuring that produce is gathered on time even with a limited workforce. Additionally, drones and sensors can monitor soil health and crop conditions in real-time, allowing farmers to make data-driven decisions and optimize their yields without requiring as many workers in the field. Across the agricultural sector, farmers should integrate technology to reduce their reliance on manual labor and improve efficiency. From autonomous tractors to precision monitoring and AI-driven automation, innovations in ag-tech are offering real solutions to an industry desperate for relief. As demand for U.S. agricultural products rises, investing in automation is no longer an option—it’s a necessity.

While tariffs may provide a short-term boost to U.S. farmers, the long-term viability of American agriculture depends on a balanced approach—one that ensures the workforce necessary to sustain growth. Restrictive immigration policies are choking that workforce, undermining the very benefits these tariffs claim to offer. If the U.S. truly wants to lead in agricultural production, policymakers need to recognize that labor shortages can’t be ignored, and automation is essential, but also isn’t a silver bullet.

America’s farmers have always been resilient, adapting to changing economic conditions and technological advancements. But they shouldn’t have to fight against their own government’s policies just to stay afloat. It’s time for a more cohesive strategy—one that supports both the supply and demand sides of American agriculture.

Nathan Rosenberg, CEO and Co-Founder of Farmblox, a farm automation system, connecting equipment and sensors to the internet so farmers can see everything and take action fast. In 2024, Farmblox saved 10,000 labor hours, eliminated 30,000 miles of manual labor and increased yields by $400,000 for maple producers. Reliably monitoring remote farmland in all weather conditions, Farmblox’s simple app on a smartphone, tablet, or computer helps farmers quickly identify operational issues like leaks, weather risks, or equipment failure – saving up to 50% in labor costs. Farmblox helps farmers combine any type of sensor they need based on their personal knowledge of the farm, from soil moisture to weather. Farmers can manage equipment and monitor the entire operation from anywhere.