Myths Vs. Facts About Farmworkers In New York

NYFB presents a selection of video clips from a recent public hearing on labor issues in Jefferson County. The hearing was conducted by State Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Darrel Aubertine, and panelists included experts in labor law, farmers, and farmworkers and farmworker advocates. The selection features NYFB President Dean Norton, Jefferson Countys own Jay Matteson, and Tom Maloney from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Additionally, the Catholic Charities' Deacon David Sweenie discusses the need to enforce current laws and talks about how farmworkers do, indeed, vote with their feet to find the best employment situation.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• New York Farm Bureau
• farmworker
• farm worker
• agriculture
• omnibus bill
• Aubertine
• Norton
• labor bill
• Kerry Kennedy
• Rural Migrant Ministries

[edmesmee]

Is there any way we can repurpose existing NY farmlands to produce foods for in-state/domestic consumption? I'm tired of going to the supermarket and seeing that I'm buying food from other states and other countries! This is why I support small local farms by buying at farmer's markets in NYC at the South Street Seaport. But it is not sufficient to provide for my family's needs. Please! What can we do to help NYS farmers produce more food for instate consumption!

[NewYorkFarmBureau]

NY farmers produce an abundance of food, so much that it is often exported. The problem of local food is related to farmers having access to local markets. Be sure to let your grocer know you are looking for food grown in New York and that you are disappointed by their selection. Look for grocers that work closely with local farm suppliers. And you can always become an NYFB member—we are working to overcome the bureaucracy that keeps farmers from feeding their neighbors.

[edmesmee]

We must do everything we can to preserve our agriculture industry!

[nyfilmmaker]

It's good to see the farming community make an effort to get their important message out to the general and eating public.

[TheRoadtester]

Agriculture was New York's #1 industry, until it was supplanted by the banking industry. Most rural areas are more conservative in their political ideology than are the majority of politicians in Albany, who tend to be liberals from the large cities. I believe the intent of this bill is to further reduce any opposition to the status quo. Farms will leave, as will their support systems, suppliers etc. Upstate has migrants..it's the people leaving.

[TheRoadtester]

Good job

[ChrisPawelski]

Excellent!