JEFFERSON CITY— The Missouri State Senate gave approval this week to a constitutional amendment that would strengthen the rights of farmers in the state.  House Joint Resolution 11 & 7 would affirm the rights of Missouri farmers and ranchers to engage in farming and ranching practices. The Right to Farm amendment will go before Missouri voters in November 2014.

Senate Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, said the constitutional amendment is a huge victory for agriculture and farmers across the state, and is one more victory for rural Missouri.

“Agriculture is huge industry for Missouri and is the heart of the Show-Me State,” said Dempsey. “Nationwide, agriculture is facing ballot initiatives that have attempted to direct how farming is done.  This amendment secures the rights of Missouri’s agricultural industry while it helps keep food affordable across the state.”

The measure asserts that agriculture is a foundational and stabilizing force of Missouri’s economy, and seeks to protect this vital sector of Missouri’s economy, the right of farmers and rancher to engage in farming and ranching practices, and declares those rights shall be forever guaranteed in this state.

Senator Mike Parson, R-Bolivar, who sponsored the Senate version of the bill, said the right to farm will allow farmers and ranchers to engage in their day-to-day operations without undue interference.

“Agriculture provides our citizens with food, energy, jobs, and economic security,” said Parson. “As Missouri’s top industry, agriculture is an important economic engine and a crucial component of our state’s financial well-being.”

Majority Floor Leader Ron Richard, R-Joplin, applauded the bill’s passage.

 “Improving the quality of life for rural Missouri farmers and their families is a responsibility of the General Assembly,” said Richard.  “We want and need farmers and ranchers to continue doing business in Missouri.”

The proposed constitutional amendment will be placed on the ballot at the next general election in November or at a special election called by the governor.  For more information on this and other legislation, visit www.senate.mo.gov.