Opponents plan rally Missouri ‘right to farm’ amendment

Opponents are planning to rally at the Missouri Capitol against a proposed amendment to the state Constitution establishing a “right to farm.”

The question on the state’s Aug. 5 ballot asks voters whether the right “to engage in farming and ranching” should be “forever guaranteed” in the Missouri Constitution.

Critics contend the measure will lead to lawsuits over what farming practices are permitted, and to special protections for large agricultural special interests.

Supporters of the proposal say their goal is to protect and promote agriculture.

Farm groups and rural Republicans began pushing for the farming amendment after a 2010 conflict surrounding an initiative petition dealing with dog breeders.

This story was originally published June 19, 2014 at 7:09 AM with the headline "Opponents plan rally Missouri ‘right to farm’ amendment."