Oregon Ag Community Voices Concerns Over HB 2548

Wednesday was a big day for the Oregon farming community, as lawmakers in Salem held a hearing on House Bill 2548.  The Legislation looks to create a Workforce Standards Board for Agriculture, which the Oregon Farm Bureau said would have the ability to determine pay, crop rotation and would remove at will employment in the state’s farming sector.  State Representative Anna Scharf, a farmer herself, testified during Wednesday’s hearing.  She said years of poor decisions in Salem have made farming in Oregon difficult.

"Mandatory minimum wage increases, corporate activity tax, mandatory ag overtime, bills to take away our farming tools, bills that limit the crops that we can grow, bills that restrict our land and water use."

Tami Kerr, executive director of the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, said this legislation will hurt everyone in farm country.

"House Bill 2548 isn't about farmers and farm workers, it's really about government overreach, political posturing and division."

Supporters of HB 2548 say the legislation will provide workplace protections for farm workers.  But the Farm Bureau counters that ag workers already have the protections that allegedly are missing.

“This bill is being presented as a way to protect farmworkers, but here’s the truth: Oregon already has some of the strongest labor protections in the country. We follow strict safety standards, provide fair wages, some offer housing, and comply with a long list of regulations designed to keep workers safe,” said state Representative Shelly Boshart Davis. “I will oppose HB 2548, and I will fight for farms and farmworkers alike to support their success and work to help all to thrive in this state.

Testimony is still being accepted on HB 2548.  The OFB is asking farmers, farm workers, or anyone interested in having their thoughts known on the legislation to submit written comment before 3 p.m. Friday March 14th. Click Here to submit your written testimony.

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