Labor problems could mean food goes to waste on New Jersey farms The labor crunch is a thing on New Jersey farms as well; some of which are already on the cusp on having to let food go to waste in their fields. Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher, in his testimony before the Assembly Budget Committee, said he’s hearing from farmers who have had trouble finding enough workers for this growing season. “They’re not getting the help they need,” Fisher said. “And in fact, for instance yesterday I was on a farm where the farmer has asparagus and he’s basically not going to be able to get it cut. Because he doesn’t have enough workers. He can’t attract enough workers. He’s tried desperately.”