New research highlights the essential role of immigrant workers in Texas’ food and agriculture sectors, emphasizing their impact on the state’s economy and food supply chain.
Recent research from the American Immigration Council reveals the vital contributions of immigrants to Texas’ food sectors, particularly agriculture. The report, titled From Field to Fork: The Economic Impact of Immigrants on Texas’ Food Industry, was developed in collaboration with Texans for Economic Growth, a statewide coalition comprising over 160 business members.
This report focuses on the state of Texas, with particular attention given to the Houston Metro Area. It was publicly released during an event hosted by Amegy Bank, which aimed to showcase the findings and engage local leaders in discussions about the impact of immigration on Texas’ food industry.
“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 integral role of immigrant workers in the 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 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 agricultural and food sectors. “This report provides crucial data on the essential role that immigrants play in powering the American food system via Texas, from farms to restaurants. These two sectors cannot exist without the 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 and CEO of the Texas Business Leadership Council, highlighted the importance of immigrant workers for the state’s economy. “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. Approximately 400,500 immigrant workers constitute nearly one-quarter (24.9 percent) of the workforce in this sector, contributing to various industries, including agriculture, food processing, food wholesale trade, food retail trade, and food services. Immigrants are essential throughout the food supply chain, moving food from production to consumers.
Immigrant workers in Texas hold diverse immigration statuses. About one-fifth of the workforce in the food sector are naturalized citizens, while 14.5 percent are undocumented, including 20,100 individuals eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The state’s reliance on workers with varying immigration statuses means that changes 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 United States’ agricultural exports.
Immigrant workers fill critical roles across the food sector. They represent 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 immigrants 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 comprising over one-third (34.3 percent) of the workforce in the food sector.
For further insights, readers can access the full factsheet detailing the report’s findings.
About the American Immigration Council: The American Immigration Council works to strengthen America by shaping perceptions and actions toward immigrants and immigration. The organization advocates for a fair and just immigration system that opens doors to those in need of protection while harnessing the skills and energy immigrants bring. The Council employs a coordinated approach to advance change through litigation, research, legislative advocacy, and communications.
About Texans for Economic Growth: Texans for Economic Growth is a coalition of over 145 Texas business leaders and associations dedicated to recognizing and supporting the positive impact of immigrants on the Texas economy. Launched in February 2019, the coalition aims to guide immigration discussions at state and federal levels and supports common-sense federal immigration reforms that acknowledge the valuable contributions of immigrants to the state.
According to American Immigration Council.