Immigration enforcement debate muddies farm bill

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2007/sep/0 ... farm_bill/
Print By Roxana Hegeman - Associated Press Writer
September 9, 2007

Hutchinson — Consumers could see the price of fruits and vegetables double if the nation does not address a looming farm labor shortage in the wake of tightening immigration enforcement, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson said Saturday.

Peterson, D-Minn., told producers attending the Kansas State Fair that the agriculture committee will focus on the immigration issue as it strives to do its part to make sure there is adequate labor. He said some crops will not be harvested this year unless something is done.

Peterson said after the forum that he has talked with judiciary committee leaders in an effort to hold either separate or joint hearings on the issue within the next two weeks.

“We are going to let producers come in and tell their stories, what they are concerned about. We think there could be significant increases in food prices caused by this if we don’t fix it,â€