Property taxes and access to biotechnology are bigger issues for Nebraska farmers and ranchers than a “right-to-farm” amendment to the state Constitution, said leaders of six ag groups. The unified position by cattle, hog, dairy, corn and soybean growers and the Nebraska Farm Bureau could mean the end of efforts in the state legislature for an amendment which would prohibit regulation of agriculture without a compelling state interest.
“After much research and discussion, the group unanimously agreed that future efforts to enact ‘Right to Farm’ protections should not be in the form of a constitutional amendment, but rather the group should explore opportunities to enact ‘Right to Farm’ concepts through state statute at a time as determined by the group, given other priorities,” said the state Farm Bureau in summarizing the meeting.
Barb Cooksey, president of Nebraska Cattlemen, said “there was a clear consensus among the leaders that members are concerned about issues such as property taxes and tax reform as well as access to new technology and biotechnology. We need to have sound regulations in agriculture.” Farm Bureau president Steve Nelson said “protecting our members’ interests and the future of agriculture isn’t about a single ballot measure or initiative … Our efforts are targeted to immediate challenges such as making sure high property tax burdens aren’t the reason families are pushed out of agriculture.”
Oklahomans will vote on a right-to-farm constitutional amendment on Nov 8. North Dakota adopted a right-to-farm amendment by a landslide in 2012 and Missouri narrowly approved a similar amendment in 2014. In each of those referendums, the state Farm Bureau was a leading proponent, as it is in Oklahoma, where farm and ranch groups are working together for passage of Question 777. Backers of right-to-farm amendments say they will insulate agriculture from animal rights’ activists and proposals to limit use of genetically engineered crops. Critics say the scope of the proposals are not clearly drawn.
In Nebraska, a proposal for a right-to-farm amendment was shelved during the final days of this year’s legislative session, with the sponsor saying he needed additional time to educate urban colleagues on the issue.