New York State Assembly

Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua) issued the following statement on the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act (A.1792-A) - legislation that adds a litany of new labor mandates, regulatory requirements, and financial burdens for farmers throughout New York State.

"Today's proposal by the Assembly Majority would be a damaging blow for New York's farming community - individuals and families who work night and day to produce the goods upon which millions of Americans rely. Agriculture carries a proud legacy here, and its success is critical to our state's prosperity. This legislation threatens the ability of our farmers to continue that tradition and further impedes their path to prosperity.

New York farmers already operate in a business climate that ranks among the worst in the country. To run a farm in New York State means you will pay labor costs that are the second-highest in the nation and 56% more than the national average. Nearly two-thirds of our farms operate at a loss. Layering additional costs and regulatory burdens on an industry that can least afford it simply augments the competitive disadvantage our agricultural community already faces.

This bill completely ignores the fact that numerous state and federal requirements already exist to ensure farm workers receive employee protections, fair wages and that businesses adhere to proper workplace standards. It also fails to acknowledge that working on a farm is a unique profession, with work schedules that are distinct from nearly every industry or business.

We should focus our efforts on providing farmers and farm employees with assistance that makes their working lives easier. But instead, this ill-conceived one-house bill - sponsored by an Assembly member from Queens - exacerbates the problems faced by farmers across the state. Farming in New York State is tough work. The Assembly Majority is trying to make it even tougher."