Cuomo backs minimum wage ‘modifications’ for NY farmers

While still pushing for a $15 per hour minimum wage, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Tuesday that “special modifications” should be made for farmers because wage rules “are different” for agriculture.

Cuomo made the remarks after a political event in Niagara Falls.

Farmers from around the state have protested that such a steep hike would force some out of business — the current wage just went up to $9 per hour in January. When pressed about farmers’ complaints, the governor said he supports some sort of agricultural exception, but didn’t go into detail.

Cuomo said he supports “special modifications for the agricultural industry because the rules are different and the employees work on a different basis.”

“We’re working on a special package for farmers because they pose a unique problem. They really do,” Cuomo said.