Statement by Lacy Upchurch, President Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Regarding Withdrawal of the Overreaching Child Labor Proposal

Statement by Lacy Upchurch, President Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation
Regarding Withdrawal of the Overreaching Child Labor Proposal

 

COLUMBIA, TN. April 27, 2012““ “The Labor Department’s decision to withdraw its proposed rules that would have prevented young people from working in agriculture is great news for Tennessee and the United States’ farmers. This success comes after a concerted effort from the farm community across our nation to explain and show the department how important of a role agriculture plays in young people’s lives in building their sense of responsibility, commitment and leadership.

“The Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation thanks not only the grassroots efforts of farmers and ranchers, but also the diligence of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and those members of Congress who listened to the voices of their constituents. Without their help, the issue could have ended far differently for America’s rural youth and farm families.

“Agriculture safety will remain a priority for farms across Tennessee, and Tennessee Farm Bureau looks forward to continuing our educational efforts on the importance of farm safety and new ways to ensure the safety of everyone on the farm. But we will continue to support and work to make certain parental exemptions remain protected for the future of our industry. After all, without youth to get excited about agriculture, what kind of future would we have?”


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For additional information contact:
Pettus Read, TFBF Director of Communications
931-388-7872 ext. 2212
pread@tfbf.com