Humane Society Devotes $375K to Fight ‘Right to Farm’

Jul 24, 2014

The Humane Society of the United States, the national animal-rights group, forked over $375,000 to campaign against the proposed Constitutional Amendment One, the so-called “Right to Farm” measure in Missouri.

The funds were given as a donation to the political action committee, Missouri’s Food for America, a group opposed to the Right to Farm proposal. Looking at the campaign finance filings dated on July 15, the opposition had $35,623 in the coffers, while the Missouri Farmers Care, one of the major groups supporting Amendment One, had more than $478,000 cash on hand.

If passed by electors, Amendment One, would add wording to the state’s constitution to include the right to farm. The amendment reads: “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to ensure that the right of Missouri citizens to engage in agricultural production and ranching practices shall not be infringed?" Voters will be asked to vote either yes or no to the amendment.

The measure is proving to be highly controversial, with proponents arguing that the change is needed in order to protect farming from special interest groups, including animal and environmental activists who continue to push to restrict certain farming practices. While opponents believe that the amendment could be used by corporations and outsiders (i.e. foreign companies), to gain a foothold in the state, and overrule pollution and food safety regulations.

In 2010, the Humane Society was successful in passing a ballot measure at restricting puppy mills. However, some of the politicians that backed that amendment have said publically that they are supporting Amendment One.

Missouri voters go to the polls on August 5, 2014.