Jordan: New York City-Driven Farm Bill Would Destroy Our Agricultural Economy And The Jobs It Creates

Statement from Assemblyman Tony Jordan (R,C,I-Jackson)

May 13, 2013

“The agenda for upstate rural communities should be developed by those who live in those communities and not by those who’ve never set foot on a farm or even have a clue as to how they operate. The sponsor of the so-called Farm Labor bill had no clue where our state ranked on production in the nation, it’s 27th, and had no clue where our state ranked in labor costs, it’s the 2nd costliest state in the nation proving that our farmworkers are paid and treated well. Legislation like this would prove to be devastating to our agricultural communities and would cause the cost of food to go up for working families.

“Our farmers work closely with their workers and the Department of Labor to ensure New York’s farms have some of the safest and best working conditions in the nation. The New York City-driven Farm Bill, however, goes too far, placing additional costs and regulatory burdens on family farmers who already are trying to eke out enough of a profit to create jobs and care for their families.

“Legislation like this would reverse the economic progress made in our agricultural sector, which has benefited not only farmers, but their workers and our rural communities. Our farming communities deserve more respect and consideration for the wonderful example they have set as employers in this state.”

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