Labor Dept. withdraws farm youth reg

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, the Labor Department announced it would withdraw a proposed regulation that would have restricted young people’s involvement on family farms. The decision follows immense pressure from U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green), other lawmakers, the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Ohio Association of Agricultural Educators and Ohio farm families, who have argued against the proposed rule.

“This is clear victory for the agricultural community and the next generation of farmers,” said Latta. “The Department of Labor made the right decision in halting a regulation that is an overreach and intrusion into family farms across America.”

On March 21, Latta submitted hundreds of comments to Labor Secretary Solis from Ohioans who opposed the Obama administration’s attack on rural communities.

“I’d like to thank the hundreds of Ohio farmers who shared their personal stories on how the proposed regulation would negatively impact their families and farms,” Latta added. “This is proof that we can’t remain on the sidelines when the President’s Labor Department attempts to intrude on citizens  livelihoods and community values.”