Child farmworkers are exempted from most federal labor laws that regulate the employment of children in nearly all other industries. Most 12-year-olds are not permitted to work more than 3 hours on a school day but children who work on farms can work unlimited hours before and after school. Between 300,000 and 800,000 minors are now working for a living in our agriculture industry. Many are members of families that need help providing for them.

More children are injured and killed while working on farms than any other job. Each year, about 33,000 children are injured and more than 100 die while working with dangerous farm tools and heavy equipment. Some of these children work from 10 to 12 hours in sweltering heat, with little water or no access to restrooms. Some are also exposed to large doses of pesticides which may cause cancer or damage their reproductive and nervous systems. Nearly half of these children are never able to finish high school. Child advocates claim this exploitation will continue as long as these conditions are legal.

Pending Legislation: H.R.4046 - Children’s Act for Responsible Employment and Farm Safety of 202 or CARE Act of 2023
Sponsor: Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA)
Status: House Committee on Education and the Workforce
Chair: Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC)