Flamm Orchards in southern Illinois is one of the last remaining orchards in a town that once thrived on them. Owner Parker Flamm faces rising labor costs and shortages which challenge operations that traditionally rely on handpicked labor. Despite significant expenditure on temporary workers from Mexico, the industry's reliance on manual labor complicates efforts to diversify crops beyond corn and soybeans. Farmers express concerns that the current climate and economic landscape severely limit their ability to grow diverse produce, which is increasingly essential for resilience against climate change.
A century ago, orchards were the primary source of income for Parker Flamm's grandfather, but now, Flamm Orchards is one of the last standing in southern Illinois.
Flamm Orchards employs about 90 workers from Oaxaca, Mexico, during peak season due to rising labor costs and local labor shortages.
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