FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 25, 2007

CONTACT: Becky Grisham, Missouri Corn Growers Association, (573) 893-4181 or (800) 827-4181

COALITION LENDS SUPPORT TO THE MISSOURI FARM AND FOOD PRESERVATION ACT

A coalition of 14 Missouri farm organizations joined Governor Matt Blunt today in support of state legislation to protect Missouri farmers and ranchers from nuisance suits and to preserve their opportunity to expand and modernize their farming operations. The legislation, known as the Missouri Farm and Food Preservation Act, is sponsored by Senator Chris Koster from Harrisonville and Representative Brian Munzlinger from Williamstown.

In 1982 the Missouri legislature approved a "right to farm" law, which provided protection to agricultural producers from nuisance suits if the farm or ranch was in existence for at least one year and was not operated negligently. Regardless of the "right to farm" protection and agriculture's compliance with increased state and federal laws and regulations, Missouri family farmers are exposed to outside forces threatening the economic viability and existence of their operations. "If this trend continues, the future of agriculture in our state is indeed bleak," said Charles Kruse, Missouri Farm Bureau president.

"In recent years," Kruse said, "governmental restrictions impacting agriculture have become more stringent. Increased state requirements for animal feeding operations, revisions to the Clean Water Act and passage of the Endangered Species Act are just a few examples of the growing regulatory burden facing our farmers and ranchers. And if those concerns aren't enough, the Environmental Protection Agency is now considering new regulations on particulate matter, which for farmers means regulating dust."

Livestock producers in 16 Missouri counties are now further regulated by counties, a major concern of coalition members.

"Our farmers and ranchers deserve consistent and fair regulation by state and federal agencies that have the expertise to establish and enforce regulations, as opposed to a hodgepodge of discriminatory local restrictions," said Brent Bryant, Missouri Cattlemen's Association executive vice president. "We joined the coalition to help preserve our industry for future generations. The Missouri Farm and Food Preservation Act contains hope and opportunity for young people who wish to continue Missouri's rich tradition of cattle ranching."

These same sentiments are echoed by pork producers. "Missouri's pork industry is already subject to stringent science-based regulations at the state and federal level," said Don Nikodim, executive vice president of the Missouri Pork Association. "If additional regulations are not based on sound science, producers will face burdens that may force them, and many others in the community, out of farming."

Animal agriculture isn't the only segment affected by these additional rules and regulations. The state's grain associations are also greatly concerned.

"Missouri's growing biofuels industry depends on a strong, vibrant grain and livestock base," says Gary Marshall, Missouri Corn Growers Association CEO. "Today these industries are being threatened by overly restrictive regulations. Unless we are successful in our efforts, we will witness the crumbling of our agricultural foundation, leaving our food supply exposed to the same vulnerabilities as our nation's energy supply. The idea of importing our food is unacceptable."

Coalition members also agree passage of this legislation is critical for the future growth of agribusiness and rural communities in our state.

"As a farmer-owned cooperative, MFA Incorporated stands firmly behind efforts to protect agriculture from unnecessary regulatory burdens," said Don Copenhaver, president and CEO of MFA Incorporated. "Local restrictions undermine Missouri's No. 1 industry - agriculture - and the hundreds of businesses and thousands of employees supporting Missouri's agricultural producers."

From cattle and pigs to corn and soybeans to combines and fertilizer, Missouri farm organizations stand shoulder-to-shoulder on this important issue. The coalition is working to make sure U.S. consumers continue to enjoy the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world.

"I am very proud of the fact that production agriculture and the agribusiness community are united on an issue that is going to profoundly affect the lives of everyone involved in our great industry," said Jim Russell, president, Missouri Agribusiness Association.

Members of the Coalition for Missouri Farm and Food Preservation include the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Cattlemen's Association, Missouri Pork Association, Missouri Dairy Association, MFA Incorporated, Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Egg Council, Missouri Poultry Federation, FSC Financial, Progressive Farm Credit, Macon County Ag Alliance and Friends of Agriculture in Marion County.