The U.S. Apple Association announced in a news release the launch of Apple Quest, an online game that informs players about the important role apple laborers play in the U.S. economy and the need for a stable, legal and reliable workforce.
“We’re hoping this game shines a light on the critical shortage of agriculture labor in the apple industry and its impact on the overall economy,” said USApple Senior Vice President Diane Kurrle.
According to the release, the U.S. apple industry is responsible for $21 billion in total economic output each year, with $13 billion directly tied to U.S. apple operations. Also, even as agricultural labor shortages affected the industry, 29 billion apples were harvested in the U.S. last year.
“Labor policies need to level up to meet the needs of a thriving agricultural economy,” said Kurrle. “USApple is urging Congress to pass legislation that provides meaningful agricultural labor reform.”
Anyone can play the 8-bit, single-player game on their computer or handheld device by going to: USAppleQuest.com.
“You’ll have to be quick to catch the apples before they fall,” said Kurrle, “And you’ll also learn about the important role apple laborers play.”
—by Jonelle Mejica
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