The critical contributions refugees make to North Dakota’s agricultural and energy sectors are at risk. Here’s how we can ensure they continue for decades to come.
North Dakota’s economy relies primarily on two sectors: agricultural and energy production.
The state leads the nation in spring wheat, canola, and sunflower production, while energy sectors provide thousands of jobs across rural communities. Both industries generate billions in revenue and support families throughout the state.
There’s a problem threatening both sectors: North Dakota doesn’t have enough workers to sustain operations.
With one of the most acute labor shortages in the Nation, North Dakota has only 51 available workers for every 100 open jobs. Almost half of the state’s jobs cannot be filled.
The impact of North Dakota’s workforce shortage is hard to overstate. Critical infrastructure projects stall. Farmers forestall wheat harvests because they can’t find seasonal workers. Processing plants operate below capacity while agricultural products pile up.
North Dakota’s political leaders have staked their careers on economic diversification and agricultural excellence. What they may not realize is that refugees have become the essential workforce keeping both sectors running.
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