BILL NUMBER: S8134

SPONSOR: METZGER
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to an
online farm portal to advertise farm employment opportunities

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends section 16 of the agriculture and markets law by adding
a new subdivision 51 that requires the department of agriculture and
markets, in coordination with the department of labor, to create an
online farm employment portal where farmers could advertise employment
opportunities and persons could apply for such opportunities. The
department shall, in coordination with any appropriate entity, publicize
the existence of the portal, and shall provide assistance to farmers in
using it. The department shall post a link to the portal on its website.

Section 2 provides the effective date.

 
              

JUSTIFICATION:

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the possibility of
disruptions in the food supply chain, making it vitally important to the
state's food security that New York farms are able to maintain, if not
increase, agricultural production. At present, New York faces a shortage
of farm labor, jeopardizing the state's ability to meet this objective.
Recent disruptions to the federal H-2A agricultural guest worker program
caused by, the COVID-19 outbreak could further constrain agricultural
production.

At the same time, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, many New Yorkers
have been laid off from their jobs or have had to return home early from
college, some number of whom may be interested in farm employment. This
bill would create an online portal to connect farmers with individuals
seeking farm employment, helping farmers to ensure an adequate workforce
for food production while providing an opportunity for individuals to
find work during this difficult and uncertain time.

The bill directs the Department of Agriculture and Markets to work with
the Department of Labor and agricultural and other organizations in
publicizing the availability of this portal statewide.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

Undetermined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become law.