Missouri Farmers Celebrate Victory In State Capitol

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)–The Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) applauds Missouri lawmakers for supporting the state’s farmers and passing the Right to Farm referendum, House Joint Resolution 11 & 7. The proposed constitutional amendment, crafted with the intent of protecting farmers from out-of-state activists, cleared both the House and Senate today with bipartisan support on votes of 132-25 and 28-6 respectively.

“We commend members of the General Assembly for recognizing the vital role farmers play in Missouri’s economy,” said MCGA President Rob Korff of Norborne, Mo. “Our industry is unified and stronger than ever. Alongside state leaders, we’ve fought off out-of-state animal rights activists in the past and this measure will help thwart future attacks aimed at hampering food production.”

With today’s passage, the task to educate Missouri voters now begins. If approved in the 2014 November general election, the right of Missourians to farm will be protected by the state constitution for the first time in history. 

“We are grateful to our friends in Capitol who carried this measure on behalf of Missouri growers, including Rep. Jason Smith (R-Salem), Rep. Bill Reiboldt (R-Neosho), Sen. Mike Parson (R-Bolivar), Sen. Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown) and the leadership of both chambers,” Korff emphasized. “A big thank you also goes out to our strong grassroots for once again answering the call to reach out to their state representatives and senators in support of this historic measure.”
 
MCGA will continue working with members of the Missouri Farmers Care coalition to inform voters on the importance of protecting the state’s number one industry. Missouri Farmers Care, the state’s leading coalition of agriculture advocates, is comprised of more than 40 Missouri farm and agribusiness organizations. Additional information regarding Missouri Farmers Care and Missouri agriculture can be found at www.MoFarmersCare.com.