From North Fork Vue, Long Island's North Fork, by Joseph Pinciaro. At least two Democrats on the nine-person Agriculture Committee - former dairy farmer and Committee Chairman Senator Darrel Aubertine (D-48), and fellow upstate senator Devid Valesky (D-49) - have publicly opposed the bill. Before any votes are officially tallied, a hearing to gather public input has been scheduled for March 1 in front of the Ag Committee. Local opponents will be making their way up to Albany to voice their concern on behalf of local farmers.
“Farmers are price takers," said Joe Gergela, executive director of the Long Island Farm Bureau. Gergela is attending the hearing with LIFB President and Aquebogue farmer Mark Zaweski. “That means they are subject to competing with the world market on a day-to-day basis. If labor costs go up, it does not mean they can charge more for their product. They are dealing with perishable commodities. That distinguishes us from other sectors."
Mr. Pinciaro's article furthers the discussion, but he misses some critical points that NY residents miss too, namely, that 1) NY farmworkers are covered by better social welfare programs (education, healthcare, nutrition, and housing) than just about every other workforce in the country. 2) Mother Nature determines when your food gets harvested, not a state law.
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“Farmers are price takers," said Joe Gergela, executive director of the Long Island Farm Bureau. Gergela is attending the hearing with LIFB President and Aquebogue farmer Mark Zaweski. “That means they are subject to competing with the world market on a day-to-day basis. If labor costs go up, it does not mean they can charge more for their product. They are dealing with perishable commodities. That distinguishes us from other sectors."
Mr. Pinciaro's article furthers the discussion, but he misses some critical points that NY residents miss too, namely, that 1) NY farmworkers are covered by better social welfare programs (education, healthcare, nutrition, and housing) than just about every other workforce in the country. 2) Mother Nature determines when your food gets harvested, not a state law.
Read original article >>
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