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Though most farms in New Jersey are family owned and operated, many of them need to hire labor in order to operate successfully. From planting and harvest to the daily care of plants and animals, agriculture is a labor-intensive industry. In order to ensure the future of agriculture, New Jersey must not only preserve its farmland, but also address the needs of its farm workforce.

The Department has established a three-part approach to farm labor in New Jersey. The areas of focus are ensuring an adequate and qualified workforce; decent, safe and sanitary housing; and ongoing worker education programs. All three areas are of equal importance and depend upon each other.

In ensuring a farm labor workforce, the problem of illegal migration is one that must be addressed, not only to ensure homeland security, but also to resolve other issues that result from a worker's immigration status. In order for this to happen, the federal government must re-start the dialogue on reforming the current practices for obtaining temporary agricultural worker visas, and by establishing an earned amnesty program. Along with this reform, both federal and state government must look for ways to create tamper-proof identification cards.

All farm laborers have the right to live and work in a safe environment and earn a fair wage. Workers have the right to decent, safe and sanitary housing. Labor supply and training are key for sustaining and growing the agricultural industry in New Jersey. Programs that support worker training, health and safety, and address issues such as housing will be part of the Department's outreach and education efforts.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we the delegates to the 88th State Agriculture Convention, assembled in Atlantic City, New Jersey on January 29, 2003, support the efforts of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to ensure a stable source of well-trained and legal farm workers.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support the use of USDA Farm Labor Housing Programs to address the housing requirements needed to provide decent, safe and sanitary living conditions for the agricultural workforce.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support efforts to ensure the proper training and education of the farm work force especially as it relates to worker health and safety.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon the President and Congress to work to reform the policies and procedures surrounding temporary agricultural worker visas.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon the Governor and State Legislature to take a lead role in supporting the reform of temporary agricultural worker visas.