Starting January 1, the overtime threshold for farmworkers in New York will be reduced to 52 hours per week, down from 56 hours in 2025. This change is part of a gradual decrease in the threshold set by the New York State Department of Labor, which plans to lower it by four hours every other year until it reaches 40 hours per week in 2032.
To help farmers manage increased labor costs resulting from these new overtime rules, all farmers are eligible and encouraged to apply for the Farm Worker Overtime Tax Credit. According to officials, "All farmers are eligible and encouraged to apply for the Farm Worker Overtime Tax Credit to help offset increased labor costs for overtime worked by farm employees." Farmers can submit applications to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets for a certificate of advance payment covering eligible overtime paid between January 1 and July 31 each year.
Additional details on farmworker overtime regulations are available on the New York State Department of Labor website. Information about applying for the tax credit can be found at the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets site.
