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ImageSeneca Falls- State Senator Michael Nozzolio announced today that the New York State Senate Agriculture Committee has scheduled a public hearing on legislation he is opposing, which would have a tremendous negative impact on farmers in New York State.

This legislation (S.2247) would mandate collective bargaining, mandate work week schedules, regulate hourly pay rates and require farmers to pay unemployment insurance to seasonal migrant workers.

 Nozzolio said, “Representatives of the entire farming community, including  the Farm Bureau and fruit growers in Wayne County and throughout the Finger Lakes region, tell me that this proposed legislation will be the death knell of agriculture in Upstate New York.  This legislation is an example of Downstate legislators not understanding the needs and concerns of Upstate farmers.”

The Farmworker Bill would impact New York State’s 35,000 farms, with greater implications for those that rely heavily on seasonal workers.

"We must do everything possible to promote New York State agriculture. This bill does the opposite. It will drive up costs of production on every New York farm and make New York grown products much more costly and uncompetitive. If the legislation is enacted, more jobs will be lost and many farmers will be forced to close their operations,” said Nozzolio.

"This hearing is an opportunity for everyone to share their perspective on a very important issue.  It is my hope that members of the Senate Agriculture Committee will listen to the distinct needs of our agricultural community and the Upstate economy,” Nozzolio concluded.

The hearing will take place in Albany on March 1st from 10 am to 2 pm in the Legislative Office Building, Hearing Room A.

Members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture will accept written and oral testimony regarding the Farmworker Bill at the public hearing.

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