Withdrawal of Burdensome Regulation That Would Hurt Family Farms Applauded By Hochul

Press Release

Congresswoman Kathy Hochul today applauded the United States Department of Labor's (DOL) decision to withdraw a controversial proposed rule that would have restricted the ability of young people to gain hands-on experience on family farms.

"Just this past week, I held a roundtable discussion with farmers in Niagara County about the need to cut burdensome government regulations that hurt our family farms," said Congresswoman Hochul, a Member of the House Dairy Caucus. "Many of these farmers mentioned how this rule would have prohibited their own children from working on the family farm. I'm pleased the Department of Labor has decided to heed the concerns Western New York farmers and withdraw this rule."

Since her election to Congress, Congresswoman Hochul has met with farmers from throughout Western New York to discuss cutting burdensome regulations.

The nation's farm population has increasing become older and older. Between 2002 and 2007 alone, the number of farmers over 65 grew by nearly 22%, and for every one farmer and rancher under age 25, there are five who are 75 or older. Additionally, the Agricultural Census in 2007 shows that the fastest-growing group of farmers and ranchers is the segment over 65, making the withdrawal of this rule even more necessary for the future success of family farms.

Hochul added, "We must ensure the next generation of farmers has the hands-on-experience needed to take the reins from an aging population."

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