The Missouri Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that state’s so-called Right To Farm amendment remains constitutional.
The Right to Farm amendment is meant to protect Missouri farmers from new laws that would change current farm practices. It was added to the state Constitution in August 2014 by a slim margin of votes.
Critics, including many small farmers and animal rights groups, say the ballot language was misleading to voters and opens the door for foreign corporations to exploit Missouri farmland.
The state Supreme Court ruled the language was “not insufficient or unfair.”
Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst, a supporter of the amendment, says the ruling is a win for shoppers on a tight budget.
“They need access to food raised in the most efficient and technologically advanced way possible,” he said. “This amendment guarantees them that access. “
Wes Shoemyer, a Monroe County farmer and president of Missouri Food for America challenged the wording in court. He says the battle now moves to the court’s interpretation in cases it will surely hear.
“I think the state’s going to have to be prepared in the courts to protect the statute language from the interpretation of this,” he said.
Missouri was the second state to add the right to farm to its Constitution – North Dakota was first. Several Midwest states have been playing with similar amendments or laws.
Two cases have already invoked the new amendment in Missouri: one regarding roosters near city limits and another about a marijuana growing operation.