The FLSA covers employees whose work involves production of agricultural goods which will leave the state directly or indirectly and become a part of interstate commerce. Youths ages 16 and above may work in any farm job at any time. Local youths 10 and 11 may hand harvest short-season crops outside school hours for no more than 8 weeks between June 1 and October 15 if their employers have obtained special waivers from the Secretary of Labor. Youths of any age may work at any time in any job on a farm owned or operated by their parents. The prohibition of employment in hazardous occupations does not apply to youths employed on farms owned or operated by their parents.
Many states have laws setting standards for child labor in agriculture.
When both state and federal child labor laws apply, the law setting the most stringent standard must be observed. The Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Labor Department's Employment Standards Administration enforces the laws. This publication is for general information and is not to be considered in same light as official statement of position contained in the regulations.