This week, Erie County Legislator Lynne Dixon visited Mammoser’s Farm and Zittels Farms in Eden to meet with farmers and discuss their concerns with the New York State Farm Labor Bill.

The bill stands to hurt farmers across New York State by requiring workers to be paid overtime and receive additional benefits. As a result, farmer workers will see their hours restricted and paychecks reduced. Legislator Dixon toured both farms to meet with Rick Mammoser and Dave Zittel who both worry for the future of their businesses.

Legislator Dixon said, “I’d like to thank both Rick and Dave for taking the time to show me around and get a glimpse of the tireless work they put into their family businesses. Many of these farmers are already struggling to stay afloat, and this new legislation stands to ruin the agriculture industry in New York State. Farmers will be forced to raise costs and in many cases, farm workers will have their hours restricted resulting in a smaller paycheck. It is frustrating that many of the lawmakers who supported this bill did not take the time to observe day-to-day operations on our local farms or consider the farmers and workers who will be most affected. These workers will now pack their bags and go to neighboring states where they can earn more money for themselves and their families. The governor must fix the fatal flaws in this law, as the 30,000 farms across upstate New York and Long Island depend on it.”

In a recent statement from Grow NY Farms, Dave Zittel said, “This spring, New York’s family farms faced some of the toughest planting conditions we’ve seen in years, and continue struggling to compete against regional and national competitors.  Our challenges have been compounded due to recent actions by state officials who have endorsed policies that are fundamentally changing our businesses and threatening the viability of New York’s farm community.  We are urging the Governor to fix several flaws in the Farm Labor bill in order to support the future of New York’s growers, harvesters and dairy producers.”

Grow NY Farms has also been vocally opposed to the legislation since it was introduced. Their full statement on the bill’s passage can be found here.