Agriculture is the top industry in North Carolina. But in order to plant and harvest many of the crops our state is known for, farmers need extra hands on their land. 

Temporary workers from foreign countries have been a vital part of the industry for decades. Their work is made possible through the H-2A temporary worker visa.

Just last week, a new federal rule went into effect, increasing the cost of employing those workers. Farmers say that although it is expensive, it is worth every penny.