HortTechnology
Volume 18, Issue 2, 2008, Pages 301-307

Producer preferences for migrant labor and the wage, hours, and gross sales effects in Alabama's horticulture industry (Article)

Bellenger M. , Fields D.* , Tilt K. , Hite D.
  • a Department of Economics, Oregon State University, 303 Ballard Extension Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-3612, United States, Department of Agricultural Economics, Auburn University, Department of Economics, Oregon State University
  • b Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Auburn University, 100B Comer Hall, Auburn, AL 36849-4601, United States
  • c Department of Horticulture, Auburn University, 139B Funchess Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
  • d Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Auburn University, 202 Comer Hall, Auburn, AL 36849-4601, United States

Abstract

Nursery, greenhouse, and sod production remains very labor-intensive, and a large portion of the agricultural labor force is made up of migrant workers. As a result of the perishable nature of horticultural goods, a skilled and accessible labor supply is imperative for continued industry growth and stability. Using 2004 survey data, this study uses log-linear regression analysis to examine the effects of migrant labor on wages, hours, and gross sales in Alabama's horticulture industry. A binomial probit model is added to measure producer decisions to hire migrant workers. The presence of migrant workers is found to raise average wages within green industry firms but exhibits no significant effects on hours and sales. The binomial probit model indicates that producer concerns may have some influence on their decision to hire migrant workers. Producers who perceive government regulations as a threat to their industry are less likely to hire migrant workers. This indicates that there may be a greater level of government regulation associated with hiring migrant workers when compared with local workers. Concerns for lack of professionalism appear to raise the demand for migrant rather than local workers.

Author Keywords

H2-A Log-linear Firm characteristics Industry concerns probit Part-time workers Local labor Survey

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-41149181273&partnerID=40&md5=692fe3009966a48c855dd0aca79a49b2
ISSN: 10630198
Cited by: 5
Original Language: English