Lyall Higher Minimum Wage Will Hurt Washington Ag

How would a higher minimum wage impact the Washington agriculture economy?  Voters will be asked this November is the statewide minimum wage should be increased to $15 an hour, and it’s not just fastfood operations that would be impacted.  Frank Lyall, President of the Yakima County Farm Bureau told the Washington Ag Network an increased wage would hurt growers of high value crops, such as hops, grapes and fruit, which can be very labor intensive.  Lyall added Washington farmers are already paying some of the best wages out there.

“Washington state has the highest minimum wage, relative to other countries, apart from maybe Australia.  So, we’re already paying large agricultural wages.”

Lyall added a higher minimum wage hurts not only the agriculture industry, but individuals as well.

“It discourages employment of people that are very marginally skilled or perhaps those who lack a good work ethic or experience”

Lyall says labor costs for many of the high value crops can approach 50% of over all costs, so an increase in minimum wage would significantly impact profits.  But, he says it could also encourage the implementation of mechanization non-human equipment in the orchards, vineyards, etc.

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