Amendment #1, the Missouri Farming Rights Amendment, will be decided by Missouri voters on August 5. The Missouri Farmers Care coalition, comprised of more than 40 statewide agricultural organizations, is working hard to pass the amendment.
The amendment is short, straightforward and designed to protect all of agriculture from outside special interests that would seek to regulate and legislate farmers and ranchers out of business. The amendment reads:
Section 35. That agriculture which provides food, energy, health benefits, and security is the foundation and stabilizing force of Missouri’s economy. To protect this vital sector of Missouri’s economy, the right of farmers and ranchers to engage in farming and ranching practices shall be forever guaranteed in this state, subject to duly authorized powers, if any, conferred by article VI of the Constitution of Missouri.
This amendment was written to protect farmers and ranchers while also ensuring local control. Local control is protected in article VI of the state constitution.
Because Missouri Farmers Care has been working on this issue since early 2013, we have had a good head start on the animal-rights funded opposition. We have distributed more than 2,000 large signs that you can see on highways across the state and are garnering support across Missouri.
Recently, many of Missouri’s congressional delegation voiced their support of Amendment #1 because of the vital role that agriculture plays in Missouri’s economy. Congressional representatives endorsing the amendment include
- Congressman Sam Graves
- Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver
- Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler
- Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer
- Congressman Billy Long
- Congressman Jason Smith
Amendment #1 has also been endorsed by a number of prominent organizations, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Grocer’s Association, and Columbia Chamber of Commerce, among others, who, while not members of Missouri Farmers Care, recognize the important role agriculture plays in our state. See a full list of endorsing organizations and individuals.