Salinas ag leaders host Ron DeSantis for a campaign fundraiser.

Democracy for me but not for thee

There is an event that is going to be held at the California Rodeo Grounds on September 21st 2023 called FIRA USA and it will feature farming robotics. The same companies that are heavily donating to DeSantis' campaign will be a part of panel discussions there. Not to sound negative or read too much into it, but it almost seems as if they are looking to take humans, migrant or otherwise, out of the farming equation and head into a direction where labor won't be affected by climate change and unworkable conditions. The timing of this all.

I applaud Sara Rubins (and the Weekly) for pointing out the hypocrisy of the Ag leaders who are involved in hosting a fundraiser for DeSantis. His racist antics are in no way a path to comprehensive immigration reform. For an employer to host such a divisive (and from recent reports on donor favors - corrupt) figure who targets the very people who make up the majority of their workforce is mind boggling and suspect- it is beyond the pale. To characterize this article as "supporting illegal border crossings" is a typical deflection tactic and shows a real lack of comprehension.

Today's agribusiness landscape is far removed from mere sowing and reaping—it is steeped in a complexity of labor challenges and legal intricacies. The focus isn't on the legal standing of a worker, but rather their commitment to the demands of the field. A significant portion of the workforce, nearly half, lacks official documentation. This is not a reflection of employers' preferences, but a response to the labor markets' real-time dynamics, especially in places like Salinas Valley.

In the vast fields of Salinas Valley, a silent evolution has been taking place. The aging of the workforce, both documented and undocumented, poses a looming threat to the stability of the sector. The younger generations, especially domestic workers, have distanced themselves from the grueling hours under the sun, opting for less strenuous occupations. This gap is widening, and replacements aren't stepping up to the plate in numbers that the sector would hope for.

The political sphere, too, has acknowledged this. President Trump's vision of a fortified border came with a nuanced perspective on agribusiness. His support for an increase in H2A worker visas signifies an understanding of the sector's needs—a fresh, legal, and young workforce. This stance wasn't partisan. Figures like Jimmy Panetta and several Democrats echoed similar sentiments, recognizing the opportunity for H2A workers to transition to permanent residency after a few years of dedicated service. Yet, these conversations, crucial as they are, remain ensnared in the Congressional gridlock, a testament to a two-decade-long challenge.

The introduction of e-verify, while ideologically sound, exacerbates the problem for agribusinesses. The looming threat of losing substantial portions of their workforce overnight is real. The bureaucratic process has boxed them into a corner; they can't directly question an applicant's immigration status but are held accountable for any discrepancies that emerge later. The I-9 form, seemingly simple, becomes a tightrope they walk on, ever wary of the consequences of fraudulent entries.

In essence, the modern agribusiness stands at a crossroads—caught between the urgent need for a dedicated workforce and the quagmire of legal verifications. It's not a secret tucked away but an overt challenge, waiting for actionable solutions.

The host committee for this particular affair is more nuanced than one might expect. These individuals aren't primarily driven by extreme ideologies. Instead, their identity is rooted in their roles as entrepreneurs and community pillars. With families of their own and vast enterprises, they significantly influence the local economy. It's a fact, considering they're responsible for employing over a quarter of Monterey County's population. Their connections, both direct and indirect, touch virtually every business within the county and even extend beyond its borders.

Their motivations seem transparent: to establish and maintain connections with those wielding power and influence to further their business aspirations. In this intricate web of business and influence, Mr. Armanasco's name frequently surfaces. There's an undeniable pattern in his readiness to engage with this publication, almost as if the platform is an extension of his lobbying efforts. Given his extensive network, it wouldn't be far-fetched to assume many on the host committee are among his clientele.

However, his reputation isn't unblemished. The 2018 Monterey County Sheriff's race saw Mr. Armanasco rallying behind Steve Bernal, an involvement which raised a few eyebrows. His reliability as a primary source for this article thus becomes questionable. Delving deeper into his motivations reveals a potentially singular focus—revenue. With fees that reportedly exceed $10,000 per client per month, it seems he may be more invested in his bottom line than the political leanings of the presidency.

It's crucial for the public to voice their opinions, both in support of and against figures like DeSantis. Civil discourse, a foundation of democratic society, encourages open dialogue. While many may oppose DeSantis, there's not an insignificant portion that backs him. The collective conversation, regardless of stance, benefits everyone involved.

Regarding DeSantis's pursuit of the nomination, the current outlook appears challenging. Amongst the myriad of Republican contenders, one candidate consistently stands out, overshadowing the rest. Everyone knows who that is, so I won’t bother naming him.

Sara: You seem to promote illegal crossings of the U.S. border with your comment "an open secret that Monterey County’s agricultural workforce includes many people without papers". Would it not be better to re-implement a bracero program so people in the agricultural workforce would have proper papers, and the ag industry would not have to support illegal crossings to obtain needed workforce. I speak from personal experience that ag work is both fulfilling and rewarding financially.