NC Commissioner Troxler: North Carolina Farm Labor Survey

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NASS surveys have been sent to producers who are encouraged to provide responses to this first ever survey of labor needs and practices.

  • Farmers should have recently received or may soon receive a labor survey from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
  • This is the first farm labor survey NASS has conducted in the state with the goal of capturing an accurate snapshot of farm labor here along with the mechanisms in place to ensure a safe and healthy workforce.
  • This survey is being done at the request of my department and the North Carolina Agromedicine Institute.
  • In capturing a snapshot of farm labor in North Carolina we hope to see how we can better assist farms and communities with needed training and programs.
  • Many farms and farmers are likely familiar with the Agromedicine Institute through its work fit testing respirators for workers. During the pandemic we worked closely with the Institute on farm needs that arose because of the pandemic including sourcing masks and other personal protective equipment.
  • The Agromedicine Institute has also advocated for access to mental health services for farmers.
  • I encourage farmers to take a few minutes to fill out the survey and then submit it. The information you provide will be kept confidential.
  • Questions on the labor survey include:
  • The type of labor (H-2A, family, etc.)
    • The source (Labor contractors, local workers)
    • The crops (Christmas trees, tobacco, etc.)
    • The prevalence of young workers.  
  • Survey results will only be provided in a combined format to ensure no individual information is disclosed. 

  • NASS plans to release the results in September. If you have any questions, you can contact Laci Banks-Walker at 919-733-3335.