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Labor Impacts of COVID-19 in U.S. Agriculture: Evidence from the Current Population Survey

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  • Anita Alves Pena

    (Colorado State University)

Abstract

Early research hypothesized impacts of COVID-19 on agricultural workers, food supply, and rural health systems based on population characteristics from data collected preceding the pandemic. Trends confirmed a vulnerable workforce and limits to field sanitation, housing quality, and healthcare. Less is known about eventual, realized impacts. This article uses the Current Population Survey’s COVID-19 monthly core variables from May 2020 through September 2022 to document actual impacts. Summary statistics and statistical models for the probability of being unable to work reveal that 6 to 8% of agricultural workers were unable to work early in the pandemic and that impacts were disproportionately negative for Hispanics and those with children. An implication is that targeted policies based on vulnerabilities may minimize disparate impacts of a public health shock. Understanding the full impacts of COVID-19 on essential labor remains important for economics, public policy, and food systems in addition to public health.

Suggested Citation

  • Anita Alves Pena, 2023. "Labor Impacts of COVID-19 in U.S. Agriculture: Evidence from the Current Population Survey," Journal of Labor Research, Springer, vol. 44(1), pages 44-55, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jlabre:v:44:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s12122-023-09345-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s12122-023-09345-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peña-Lévano, Luis & Burney, Shaheer & Adams, Colton, 2020. "Labor Disruptions Caused by COVID-19 in the U.S. Agriculture and Nonfarm Industries," Choices: The Magazine of Food, Farm, and Resource Issues, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 35(3), September.
    2. Farnsworth, Derek, 2020. "U.S. COVID-19 Policy Affecting Agricultural Labor," Choices: The Magazine of Food, Farm, and Resource Issues, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 35(3), September.
    3. Dionysis Bochtis & Lefteris Benos & Maria Lampridi & Vasso Marinoudi & Simon Pearson & Claus G. Sørensen, 2020. "Agricultural Workforce Crisis in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-13, October.
    4. Stefania Albanesi & Jiyeon Kim, 2021. "Effects of the COVID-19 Recession on the US Labor Market: Occupation, Family, and Gender," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 35(3), pages 3-24, Summer.
    5. Jayson L Lusk & Ranveer Chandra, 2021. "Farmer and farm worker illnesses and deaths from COVID-19 and impacts on agricultural output," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(4), pages 1-12, April.
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