WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA. (VINnews) – Driscoll’s CEO Soren Bjorn said Tuesday that officials within the Trump administration recognize the critical role of immigrant labor in U.S. agriculture, warning that aggressive enforcement actions against farms could lead to rapid food shortages.

“There is a realization inside the administration that if they start going after the farms we are not going to have food in two weeks,” Bjorn said while highlighting the importance of America’s immigrant workforce.

The comments come amid ongoing debates over immigration enforcement and its potential impact on the agricultural sector, which relies heavily on foreign-born workers. Driscoll’s, a major producer of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, has long advocated for policies supporting farm labor stability.

More than 50% of the company’s U.S. employees are foreign-born, according to past company statements. Bjorn has previously emphasized that many farmworkers have lived in the United States for years and play an irreplaceable role in keeping fresh produce on American tables.

Agriculture industry leaders have warned that strict deportation measures without sufficient domestic labor replacements could devastate harvests, particularly for labor-intensive crops like berries. Driscoll’s operates farms across the U.S. and sources from growers who depend on programs such as H-2A visas for seasonal workers.

Bjorn’s remarks were made in the context of a discussion at the Milken Institute Global Conference, where he addressed broader issues including labor policy, climate impacts on farming and supply chain resilience.

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Bjorn’s assessment of internal administration thinking. Immigration enforcement remains a top priority for the current administration, with officials promising both border security and targeted actions against illegal immigration while aiming to protect key economic sectors.

Driscoll’s has positioned itself as a proponent of comprehensive immigration reform that balances enforcement with the practical needs of American farms.