YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

New right to farm protections benefit Texas agriculture

By Gary Joiner
Publisher

The Texas Legislature approved several important right to farm measures during its regular session.

Texas farmers and ranchers are better for it.

HB 1750 by Rep. DeWayne Burns and Sen. Charles Perry prohibits cities from imposing “governmental requirements” on all agricultural operations within city limits, no matter when the land was annexed by the city. Cities may only impose restrictions on an ag operation if the city can prove, with clear and convincing evidence, that it is necessary to protect the public from imminent danger. The new law is effective Sept. 1.

HJR 126 by Rep. Burns and Sen. Perry is a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot. The amendment would place the right to farm and ranch in the Texas Constitution.

The resolution states “the people have the right to engage in generally accepted farm, ranch, timber production, or wildlife management practices” in Texas.

HB 2308 by Rep. Trent Ashby and Sen. Perry is effective Sept. 1. The new provisions in the Texas Agricultural Code strengthen the current protections in law to prevent nuisance lawsuits against agricultural operations.

HB 2271 by Rep. Kyle Kacal and Sen. Lois Kolkhorst revises the Texas Agricultural Code to include “aquaculture” as an “agricultural operation.” Aquaculture operations are due the same benefits, rights and protections as all other agricultural operations.

The bill is on the governor’s desk.

As Texas becomes more urban, these right to farm protections become critical for Texas agriculture.

The preceding commentary is brought to you by Texas Farm Bureau, the “Voice of Texas Agriculture.” Called “Your Texas Agriculture Minute,” TFB will issue thought-provoking editorials each week—via print and audio—to spark understanding of agriculture in the Lone Star State and its impact on each and every Texan.

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