Smithfield
Court challenge for Missouri right-to-farm guarantee
The just-adopted constitutional amendment guaranteeing a "right to farm" in Missouri is under challenge before the state Supreme Court. The amendment was approved by voters in August by a 2,375-vote margin out of nearly 1 million cast.
Ag chair Stabenow wants tougher review of takeovers
The Senate Agriculture Committee chairwoman is drafting legislation to overhaul the way the government reviews purchases of U.S. companies by foreigners. Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow disclosed her intentions as part of a PBS NewsHour review of the purchase of Smilthfield Foods by Shuanghui International, of China. "Food security is national security," Stabenow said on the program, according to a news release by the committee. "“And I can’t imagine that the American people will feel comfortable if they wake up someday and find that half of our food processors are owned by China."