A significant test of the exemption is that the hand harvest
operation ``has been, and is customarily and generally recognized as
having been, paid on a piece rate basis in the region of employment.''
The legislative history is silent on who must customarily and generally
recognize the hand harvest operation as having been paid on a piece rate
basis. However, considering the context in which the term is used, such
recognition must be on the part of agricultural employers and employees
and other individuals in the region of employment who are familiar with
farming operations and practices in the region and the method of
compensation utilized in such operations and practices.
