“I know these new labor mandates, drafted by New York City lawmakers, represent an existential threat to our state’s family farms.

“Agribusiness – which brings in more than $4.8 billion annually – is a unique economic sector. Our farmers must fight harsh and erratic weather patterns and an equally harsh business climate. In a short, unpredictable work season, the new 60-hour work week mandate is simply not feasible for small farms that have few laborers and high production costs.

“This legislation puts the agriculture industry at risk and in so doing puts the entire state’s economy at risk. This bill will increase labor costs on farms by almost $300 million, according to Farm Credit East, putting family farm production at a disadvantage and passing costs on to consumers.

“This bill, crafted by New York City lawmakers who have virtually zero farms in their districts, will put people out of work, jeopardize families and intensify business outmigration. No doubt this legislation is another example of big government overreach which will impede the ability of farmers to run their businesses successfully.

“These out of control farm directives hurt laborers, producers and consumers. I voted no on the farm labor bill and will continue to fight for Hudson Valley family farmers.”