Declare Farm Safety Week

Assembly Resolution No. 603 BY: M. of A. Gunther MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 17-23, 2017, as Farm and Safety Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, New York is one of the nation's leaders in production of cabbage, corn, grapes, milk and other dairy products, and ducks; and WHEREAS, New York has over 615,000 milk cows, each producing 20,000 pounds of milk; in total, New York is the third largest producer of dairy products with goods equaling nearly 12.5 billion pounds; and WHEREAS, New York's total cash receipts for farm commodities in 2009 totaled more than $4.4 billion; and WHEREAS, In the process of providing food, fiber, biofuels, and many other life necessities for millions across our Nation and beyond, farmers and their families face significant risks in the course of their everyday life and labor; and WHEREAS, New York has over 36,000 individuals who work in farming or agriculture; farm work is often a family business and as we progress into the future, this trend continues; the average age of principal operators is increasing and, as of 2009, is 56 years; and WHEREAS, Farm work often involves close contact with hazardous materials such as dangerous machinery, chemicals, and livestock; by working with these products and animals, the individual's health can be significantly impacted; and WHEREAS, Some family members are at higher risk levels than others; youth may not have the maturity or experience to allow them to fully understand the risks or have the physical capability to perform tasks safely; older farmers may have reduced physical ability and be at greater risk than when they were younger; and WHEREAS, Farm work can, and often does, involve the use of work and recreational vehicles that have taken the place of horses; ATVs are found on many of today's farms to access difficult areas and transport workers and farm items from one area to another; while these vehicles help the farmer do his/her work, they can cause injuries and fatalities when used unsafely; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to join with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety in encouraging people across the State of New York to recognize the hard work done by the individuals in the agricultural field; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 17-23, 2017, as Farm and Safety Week in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.