Statement from Upstate United Regarding Department of Labor’s Farm Labor Overtime Decision

September 30th, 2022

The following statement is attributable to Justin Wilcox, executive director of Upstate United 

“There’s no doubt that Commissioner Reardon’s disastrous decision will lead to fewer family farms, smaller paychecks for farm workers and higher costs for consumers.

The fact remains that New York has been losing farms for decades – more than 3,800 over the last 20 years. Overtime tax credits and other measures simply aren’t enough to help New York’s family farms survive.   

This decision will undoubtedly change agriculture in New York State forever; but it certainly won’t be for the better.”