The Federation of Fruit Producers of Chile (Fedefruta) has conducted a survey revealing a significant worker shortage in the agricultural sector, with many fruit producers experiencing a deficit of 50% to 70% of their workforce. The survey, which included 557 companies across Chile, found that the average compensation has had to be increased to offset the labor shortage. The shortage is expected to impact harvest yields, with as many as 49% of companies predicting a 20% to 30% reduction in production. The survey also highlighted the impact of state aid, border closures, child care needs, and movement restrictions on the availability of labor. Factors such as the fear of losing state aid and the lack of foreign workers have contributed to the shortage, leading to calls for campaigns to encourage student labor and meetings with ministers to discuss the issue.