California goat-grazing companies are at risk of closure due to a proposed change in minimum compensation requirements for goat herders, which could lead to a monthly salary increase from around $3,730 to $14,000. As a result, human rights lobbyists are urging for more oversight against worker vulnerability in the industry. However, the proposed compensation package could also limit the effectiveness of targeted grazing, an ecologically strategic means of reducing fire risk in the state.
Most goat herders in California come from Peru on temporary work visas and earn a current compensation package estimated to provide a fair wage. Goat herders are responsible for overseeing around 400 goats each, which can cover difficult, rocky terrain with steep inclines. Such targeted grazing can be more strategic than chemical herbicides and machine-driven weed whackers which can produce pollution and noise. However, with the proposed change in compensation requirements, the monthly salary increase would mean that goat-grazing companies would likely have to close.
California is turning to goat-grazing services as a means of reducing wildfire risk as fires continue to destroy homes and forests across the state. The goats’ dietary variety and agility make them effective at clearing difficult terrains. Nevertheless, labor advocates argue that ethical working and living conditions for goat herders must be maintained.
The impact of the proposed compensation change could thus compromise the effectiveness of targeted grazing, as well as worker rights. The challenge is to find a balance between protecting vulnerable workers and maintaining ecologically strategic wildfire prevention measures.
