But the idea is still a step closer to immigration reform, Rodriguez said. The administration's plan also is a step closer to establishing a consistent work force in agriculture, an industry that has been experiencing a labor shortage over the past few years, said Bruce Blodgett, executive director of San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation. Blodgett said most local farmers aren't involved in the guest worker program because of its cumbersome requirements. "It's positive, but it certainly doesn't solve our problem," Blodgett said. This year, the slumping economy has brought back to the county a surplus of agriculture workers who had previously moved on to other industries. While labor supply is abundant this year, Blodgett said, once the economy begins picking up, workers will most likely retreat to other industries.
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