Next week I’m sitting down with farmers from across Orange County in a roundtable discussion. I do this as often as I can to discuss their priorities, to hear their concerns, and exchange thoughts about the changing face of their industry.
Agriculture is an essential part of our local economy and our national trade. Agriculture isn’t just a driver of economic growth for New York and the U.S., it creates a broader market within related industries. Its impact is felt far wider than just in the grocery store. Legislation that supports farms and farmers is not only the right thing to do, it’s just good policy.
To that end, I’m proud to sponsor two current bills, both with bipartisan support, that would have a direct impact on New York farmers. The first, S.8761, would exempt farmers and their employees from the requirements of obtaining a CDL license to operate farm vehicles within 150 miles of their farms.
There is a national shortage of CDL truck drivers, which has made it difficult for farmers to transport perishable goods in a timely manner, and legislation that exempts farmers and farm employees from the F or G endorsement on their license could be a game-changer.
The second bill, S.3395, has to do with wage credits. Farmers often provide meals, housing, and utilities to their workers, which supplement the pay of these valued employees. While there’s a part of the Department of Labor regulation that establishes allowances for these benefits toward the farmworker’s earnings, they have not been updated since 1992. I hardly need to tell you how the economy and wages have changed in the last 30 years, so these benefits are significantly undervalued today.
98% of farms in New York are family owned, and agriculture is responsible for nearly 200,000 jobs in our state. What’s good for farmers is good for New York, and I’m looking forward to seeing these bills move through the Legislature and to the Governor’s desk.
