Missouri House Passes Right To Farm Legislation

Missouri State House of Representatives passed HJR 7 and 11, with an overwhelming 110 yes to 41 no vote. The legislation now goes to the State Senate for consideration. The legislation began as two separate bills Rep. Jason Smith and Rep. Bill Reiboldt sponsored HJR 7 and HJR 11 respectively. Leaders from both parties praised the passage of Right to Farm.

Republican Speaker Tim Jones said, “The economy is still lagging and we need to ensure that agriculture, our state’s number one industry, is protected from outside attacks. I understand how important this industry is to our state and to all citizens that benefit from Missouri’s food production. I was proud to cosponsor HJR 7 and I look forward to voting for this amendment in the ballot box next year.”

The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association (MCA) Executive Vice President Mike Deering said the right to farm issue is a top priority for the organization.

“This is a proactive step to protect the providers of food and fiber from outside groups wanting to stifle Missouri’s farm and ranch families. If activists get their way and stymie food production in this country, consumers already struggling in this economy will be unnecessarily forced to pay more at the grocery store.” said Deering.

If passed by the Senate, HJR 7 and 11 would be referred to the voters as a ballot question in 2014. A similar constitutional amendment to protect farming and ranching practices, Measure 3, was adopted in North Dakota in 2012 with a 66.89% yes vote. For more info, go to mofarmerscare.com.