Was it with full stomachs of New York-produced food the Assembly passed the Farm Workers Fair Labor Practices Act? Talk about biting the hand that feeds you.
Understanding agriculture here is essential for all who like to eat. The growing season runs from April through October. Farmers like me, our families and employees must plant, cultivate and harvest crops to support the farm through the year.
The hours are long for all who choose to be involved.
Nobody is getting wealthy farming, yet we all benefit from the fresh food supply.
The public is being misled by proponents of this legislation. Already a long list of state and federal protections exist for agricultural workers who are covered by the federal Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act, state minimum wage laws and state sanitary housing code.
This bill includes mandatory overtime on an eight-hour work day and collective bargaining What is forgotten by supporters is that weather and daylight are the controlling factors in agriculture.
Why do we continue to try to tie the hands of those who are trying to feed us?
Proponents compare us to California's 12-month growing season — not a fair comparison. Farmers and farmworkers are working side by side to maximize the production value of the farm during the time allowed by the shorter season.
Those who are filling their stomachs with food grown here and trying to undermine its production should be ashamed. Farmers treat their employees well, not just because it is the right thing to do but because the farmers depend on their workers.
John Mead
Bethlehem