New research highlights the vital role of immigrant workers in Texas’ food and agriculture sectors, emphasizing their contributions to the state’s economy and food supply chain.
Recent research from the American Immigration Council reveals the essential role that immigrants play in Texas’ food sectors, particularly in agriculture. The report, titled From Field to Fork: The Economic Impact of Immigrants on Texas’ Food Industry, was developed in partnership with Texans for Economic Growth, a statewide coalition comprising over 160 business members supported by the American Immigration Council. This comprehensive study focuses on the state of Texas, with particular emphasis on the Houston Metro Area.
The findings of the report were publicly unveiled at an event hosted by Amegy Bank, which brought together various Texas-based partners. This regional gathering aimed to showcase the report’s findings and engage local leaders in discussions about the impact of immigration on Texas’ food industry. The event, held on May 21, included a dialogue among business and civic leaders regarding actionable steps Texas can take in response to these findings.
“Texas’ agriculture and food industries are a cornerstone of our state’s economy, generating more than $102 billion in economic output and supporting communities across every region of Texas,” said Chelsie Kramer, Texas State Organizer for the American Immigration Council and Texans for Economic Growth. “This report underscores something Texas employers and community leaders already know firsthand: immigrants are essential to keeping our food system moving. The report also highlights that 14.5 percent of Texas’ food workers and 13.5 percent of the state’s agricultural workforce are undocumented immigrants, reinforcing the need for workforce stability and practical policy discussions to ensure the long-term strength and competitiveness of Texas’ food economy.”
Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., president and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, emphasized the importance of immigrant workers in the state’s restaurant industry. “Texas restaurants are built by people who work hard, serve their neighbors, and help make our communities stronger. Immigrant workers have long been part of that story, not only in restaurant kitchens and dining rooms but also across the farms, suppliers, and small businesses that make our food system work,” she stated. “This report is an important reminder that practical workforce solutions do exist that would protect local businesses, keep food costs in check, and preserve the hospitality that defines communities across Texas.”
Anne McBride, Vice President of Impact at the James Beard Foundation, noted the interconnectedness of the food system and immigrant labor. “This report provides crucial data on the essential role that immigrants play to power the American food system via Texas, from farms to restaurants. These two sectors cannot exist without each other and face similar challenges regarding our immigrant entrepreneurs and workers, which is why the James Beard Foundation is thrilled to partner on the release of this important work.”
Justin Yancy, President & CEO of the Texas Business Leadership Council, echoed the report’s findings, stating, “This report highlights a reality Texas employers know well: immigrant workers are essential to the strength, stability, and competitiveness of our agricultural and food economy. As Texas continues to grow, maintaining a dependable workforce will remain critical to supporting our producers, businesses, and consumers alike.”
The report outlines several key findings regarding the role of immigrant workers in Texas’ food sector. Immigrant workers account for nearly one-quarter (24.9 percent) of the workforce in Texas’ food industry, which includes agriculture, food processing, food wholesale trade, food retail trade, and food services. Their contributions are vital to moving food from production to consumers across the broader food supply chain.
In terms of immigration status, the report indicates that about one-fifth of workers in the food sector are naturalized citizens, while 14.5 percent are undocumented, including approximately 20,100 DACA-eligible individuals. This reliance on a diverse range of immigration statuses underscores how shifts in immigration policy can significantly impact workforce stability and the continuity of food production and distribution.
In 2024, the agriculture, food processing, and food services sectors are projected to generate $102.6 billion in economic output in Texas. The state exports $6.5 billion worth of agricultural commodities annually and plays a significant role in the nation’s agricultural exports.
Immigrant workers fill critical roles across the food sector, comprising 47.8 percent of miscellaneous agricultural workers, 31.7 percent of cooks, and 24.6 percent of cashiers. Farms, restaurants, and grocery stores depend on immigrant labor to staff essential frontline positions.
In the Houston Metropolitan Area, agriculture and food services are expected to generate approximately $2.7 million in GDP in 2024, with immigrants making up over one-third (34.3 percent) of the food sector workforce.
To learn more about the findings, the full factsheet is available for review.
Founded to strengthen America’s understanding and approach to immigration, the American Immigration Council advocates for a fair and just immigration system. The Council employs various strategies, including litigation, research, legislative advocacy, and communications, to promote change. In January 2022, the Council merged with New American Economy to enhance its advocacy efforts on behalf of immigrants.
Texans for Economic Growth is a coalition of over 145 Texas business leaders and associations committed to recognizing and supporting the positive impact of immigrants on the Texas economy. Launched in February 2019, the coalition aims to promote common-sense federal immigration reforms and statewide policies that acknowledge the valuable contributions immigrants make to the state.
According to American Immigration Council, the findings of this report highlight the indispensable role of immigrant workers in Texas’ food and agriculture sectors, emphasizing the need for supportive policies to ensure the continued success of these industries.