Government Listens to Public Outrage Over Sweeping Reform banning Minors from Participating on Farms, Withdraws Controversial Change
The LandsofAmerica.com office recently saw an article in the Daily Caller, proclaiming that there was a proposal from the Obama administration that would have “prevent[ed] children from doing farm chores.” The article, seen here, states that the new rules would keep minors from working “in the storing, marketing, and transporting of farm product raw materials.” In addition to this sweeping reform, this new plan would also revoke government approval of certifications earned in groups like 4-H and FFA and replace them with a 90 hour federal training program.
The federal government’s plan, however, drew mass criticism from people across the country. The main arguments they presented were that the current system allows for young people to learn and participate on farms, raising animals and learning the value of working on a farm. Also, many high-school age students are able to make money raising animals to increase their personal wealthy and invest in their futures.
After this article and others like it brought this to the attention of people across the nation, the article was updated April 26th, saying “Citing public outrage, the Department of Labor has withdrawn the controversial rulemaking proposal described in this article.”
What do you think of the government’s revised decision? Should minors be allowed to work on farms, and use certifications received in 4-H and FFA programs? Let us know in the comments below or comment on our facebook page here!
