Bates County Farm Bureau: Just some facts on Amendment 1

PRESS RELEASE

BATES COUNTY FARM BUREAU

JUST THE FACTS ON AMENDMENT 1

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.

FACT:Amendment 1 was passed out of the state legislature with bipartisan support.

FACT: 6 of 8 Missouri U.S. Representatives are endorsing amendment 1, including Vicky Hartzler and Emanuel Cleaver.

FACT: MO Attorney General Chris Koster is traveling Missouri promoting amendment 1.

FACT: The law in the state of Missouri limits foreign ownership of farm land to 1%.

FACT: Missouri Farm Bureau is strongly opposed to foreign ownership of farmland. If this amendment actually promoted foreign ownership Farm Bureau would not be supporting it. 

FACT: The last line of amendment 1 insures county government’s ability to regulate agriculture.

FACT: The Humane Society of the United States (an out of state animal rights group) has spent $375,000 so far opposing amendment 1.

FACT:Missouri pork, cattlemen, soybean, corn growers, dairy, veterinary medical, pet breeders, sheep, sporting dog, equine, and vocational agriculture teachers associations all support amendment 1.

FACT: Missouri Chamber of Commerce as well as the Columbia Chamber of Commerce support amendment 1.

FACT: MFA Inc., FCS Financial, Missouri Rural Electric Cooperatives, and the Conservation Federation of Missouri support amendment 1.

FACT: The Humane Society of the United States, The Sierra Club, and the Coalition for the Environment (all out of state groups) oppose amendment 1. 

These are the facts. They are completely verifiable. Now it is up to you, who are you going to believe, out of state activist groups or your fellow Missourians?

We respectfully ask you to go to the polls on August 5^th and vote yes on amendment 1.

Thank you,

Bates County Farm Bureau