There's a bill making its way through the state Legislature that would give better protections to farm workers. It's stalled in the past, but there's a renewed push before marijuana is legalized.

Advocates worry it could expose farmworkers to abuse.

"To me, there is no greater imperative than ensuring farmworkers have their rights before we increase farming in our state and essentially create a new industry," said state Sen. Jessica Ramos.

The bill would provide benefits like overtime and allow farm workers to collectively bargain. The bill has been long opposed by the New York Farm Bureau. Spokesman Steve Ammerman says agricultural support businesses could also be harmed.

"Not only would you see farm jobs lost, you'd see off the farm jobs, in other words, processing and other support industries that help farmers, provide goods and services to farmers, would also be impacted," said Ammerman.

The number of farms has steadily declined over the years in New York amid tough dairy prices, but the remaining farms have grown larger. New York remains one of the top dairy producing states in the country. Ramos says she plans to visit farms to get a firsthand look at the industry.

"I'm willing to hear all sides, but no one is going to convince me these farmworkers don't deserve their human rights," said Ramos.

But the Farm Bureau wants more input, including public hearings and a discussion with farmers.

"We're asking them to hold hearings or at the very least have farmer roundtables around the state to get a real appreciation what this bill will have on our farmer economy," said Ammerman.

For now, there's no timetable on when the bill will be voted on; Ramos hopes by the end of the legislative session in June.​