Statement by TFB President Russell Boening on Texas House passage of right to farm protections

The following statement may be attributed to Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening on the Texas House of Representatives’ approval on April 10 of a proposed right to farm constitutional amendment and its approval on April 11 of two right to farm bills supporting Texas farmers and ranchers.

“Texas Farm Bureau is extremely pleased with passage by the Texas House of Representatives of a proposed right to farm constitutional amendment and two right to farm bills supporting Texas farmers and ranchers. HJR 126 and HB 1750 by State Rep. Dewayne Burns and HB 2308 by State Rep. Trent Ashby are significant efforts to protect Texas agriculture. HJR 126 will protect in the Texas Constitution the day-to-day practices used by farmers and ranchers. HB 1750 protects agricultural producers from city zoning and regulations that prohibit or restrict farming or ranching when there is no real threat to public safety. HB 2308 protects pre-existing agricultural operations from frivolous nuisance claims.

“Texas Farm Bureau appreciates the leadership of Reps. Burns and Ashby in championing these landmark efforts in the Texas House, and our organization looks forward to working with members and leaders of the Texas Senate in support of these important right to farm protections.

“Texas continues to rapidly increase in population, and it’s critical that farmers and ranchers be able to grow food, fiber and fuel for our state and nation as more and more agricultural areas are impacted by development and population growth.”