| FEBRUARY 7, 2012 -- The National Grange, this week, applauded the Dept. of Labor for withdrawing their proposed regulations to alter child labor rules as they apply to children working in agriculture.
National Grange President Ed Luttrell said the organization commends the decision because as written, the proposals would have had a negative impact on America’s family farms and ranches.
“As a family organization, the safety and well being of our youth is a top priority for the Grange, because we know that we are training tomorrow’s farmers and ranchers,” Luttrell said. “Bestowed with that responsibility, we understand that it is necessary to provide a safe and secure setting where our youth can develop their interests in agriculture and carry that knowledge into the future. regulations that prohibit youth from obtaining that knowledge are ultimately counterproductive to the larger legacy of training tomorrow’s growers.”
The National Grange and numerous other agriculture organizations had decried the proposed regulations in late 2011, citing concerns that such a move might lead to the waning interest of future producers in agriculture and many other social consequences outweighing potential benefits to changes in regulation.
“The Department’s proposals, though well intentioned, were far too encompassing and limiting to farming youth,” Luttrell said. “We applaud their decision to withdraw, and believe this to be a victory for America’s farming families.”
Established in 1867, The National Grange, a nonpartisan, nonprofit fraternal organization, is the oldest agricultural and rural community service organization. With more than 2,100 local chapters, the Grange has evolved into the nation’s leading rural advocacy organization and a major benefactor to local communities. There are more than 160,000 members across the United States. |
