Missouri lawmakers are considering common-sense legislation that will protect Missouri jobs and ensure Missouri farmers can continue to produce affordable, high-quality food.
This week, the Senate Agriculture Committee heard SB 14, sponsored by Sen. Justin Brown (R-Rolla). Under this bill, any pesticide registered with the EPA and meeting federal labeling standards will satisfy health and safety warning requirements.
Supporters of the bill include Bayer, which employs several thousand Missourians, primarily in the St. Louis area. Bayer is the only domestic producer of glyphosate, the most widely used weed control product in the world.
Over the past decade, out-of-state extremists and trial attorneys have attempted to drive glyphosate manufacturers out of the market through lawsuits and red tape.
“Money invested in litigation costs could otherwise be invested into research and development, bringing new tools and innovations to farmers,” said Dr. Liza Lockwood, medical affairs lead at Bayer. “It’s becoming more and more untenable to see a path forward without some sort of legislative certainty. The industry needs your help, and we need your help to protect a safe, effective and invaluable tool for farmers.”
Luke Reed, director of legislative affairs for the Missouri Chamber, testified in support of SB 14 as it would provide consistency for manufacturers who face a patchwork of regulations across the country.
Rep. Dane Diehl (R-Butler) is sponsoring a companion bill, HB 544, in the House.
To learn more about SB 14, contact Reed at lreed@mochamber.com or call (573) 634-3511.
