General Assembly Decides Right to Farm is Right for Missouri (HJRs 11 & 7)

There is no question that agriculture has been a vital part of state’s past and present, or that it will certainly be an essential component of any success we have in the future. We are blessed to have more than 110,000 family-run farms in our state and hundreds of thousands of Missourians who make their living in
agriculture-related endeavors. Agriculture is not only a multi-billion dollar
industry that is the lifeblood of our state’s economy; it is also a way of life that has been handed down from generation to generation for centuries. It goes
without saying that it is a way of life we want to protect and preserve for
future generations.

In the final week of session we approved a proposed constitutional amendment that will give the voters of Missourians the opportunity to protect the right of Missourians to farm in the state constitution. Known as the “Right to Farm” bill, it would “ensure that the right of Missouri citizens to engage in agricultural production and ranching practices shall not be infringed." I was contacted by several of you about one part of this measure which eliminated the possibility of initiative petition for agriculture. I am pleased to inform you that this provision was removed and the initiative petition process is safe, and the voice of the
people in these matters will still be heard.

We believe it is a change that Missouri voters will support because they want to ensure this industry that has been such an important part of our past and present will also have a future. It’s a protection that the voters of North Dakota approved
overwhelmingly last year in response to the attempts of outside groups to
change state laws to the detriment of farmers and outdoorsmen. Now Missouri is
poised to put a similar protection in place. In November of next year you will
have the opportunity to decide if you believe the Right to Farm amendment is
right for Missouri.