LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim September 20-26, 2015, 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, farm-
ers 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 materi-
als such as dangerous machinery, chemicals, and livestock; by working
with these products and animals, the individual's health can be signif-
icantly 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 great-
er 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 20-26, 2015,
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 tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.