Oppose farm bill change to weaken local control

As the 2018 farm bill stumbles its way through Congress, it’s no surprise that amendments have been added to this massive legislation. One such amendment, introduced by Rep. Steve King of Iowa, would affect interstate commerce by undermining the rights and powers of individual states and local governments to regulate goods and services sold within their borders.

Any state or local law regarding agriculture could be rendered ineffective under this dangerous amendment. This could disrupt laws regarding food safety, labor standards, environmental protection, animal welfare and more, preventing citizens from deciding, via their elected state and local legislators, what quality and production methods are acceptable.

This attempted federal overreach is disturbing enough but the long-term implications for the erosion of state sovereignty should be a concern to us all. To ensure this amendment won’t be included in the bill, we must contact our representatives and senators.