Modern Ag Alliance Applauds Kentucky House Passage of SB 199, Key Legislation for Kentucky Farmers
March 17, 2026
Contact: contact@modernagalliance.org
OMAHA, NE — Today, the Kentucky House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 199 by a vote of 53-37.
“SB 199 reflects an important reality: Kentucky farmers rely on crop protection tools every day to control weeds and keep yields high, helping their farms compete and thrive,” said Modern Ag Alliance Executive Director Elizabeth Burns-Thompson.
The legislation takes a crucial step toward upholding the science-based federal review process for crop protection tools and preserving Kentucky farmers’ access to these tools.
Without essential crop protection tools, research shows that yields could decline by as much as 70%, driving food inflation to double. With agriculture serving as a cornerstone of Kentucky’s economy, driving nearly $50 billion in economic contributions each year, the impacts would be substantial. The ramifications of losing access to these tools extend far beyond the farm. Timber and forestry operations rely on crop protection products to fight invasive weeds that threaten Kentucky’s forests.
“This win for Kentucky agriculture is thanks to the leadership of Senators Jason Howell, Craig Richardson, Representative Ryan Bivens, and a strong coalition of 14 Kentucky agricultural organizations who worked tirelessly to advocate for farmers across the Commonwealth. Through their efforts, Kentucky farmers are on the verge of securing the certainty and peace of mind they deserve by knowing the essential tools they rely on will remain available,” emphasized Burns-Thompson.
SB 199 is supported by a diverse coalition of Kentucky’s leading agricultural and business organizations, including the Kentucky Farm Bureau, Kentucky Soybean Association, Kentucky Corn Growers’ Association, Kentucky Small Grain Growers’ Association, Kentucky Forest Industry Association, Kentucky Woodland Owners Association, Kentucky Retail Federation, AgriBusiness Association of Kentucky, Kentucky Burley and Dark Tobacco Producers Association, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, Kentucky Dairy Development Council, Kentucky Pork Producers Association, Kentucky Poultry Federation, and Southern Crop Production Association. This unified effort reflects the Commonwealth’s commitment to standing with its farmers.
“We thank Speaker David Osborne, Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy, and the Kentucky House of Representatives for moving this crucial legislation forward,” added Burns-Thompson.
By advancing SB 199, the Kentucky House of Representatives and its leadership have recognized the importance of crop protection tools for farmers to produce a safe and affordable food supply. With food prices still straining household budgets, protecting farmers’ access to essential crop protection tools is one of the most direct ways to help keep grocery costs manageable.
“This action supports Kentucky farmers, strengthens the state’s agricultural economy, and helps families across the Commonwealth by preventing disruptions that could drive grocery prices even higher,” stated Burns-Thompson. “We applaud the passage of SB 199 and call on the Kentucky Senate to get this to the Governor’s desk.”
SB 199 took one step closer to being signed into law. With the House adopting an amendment on the floor, SB 199 now heads back to the Senate for final concurrence.
About The Modern Ag Alliance
The Modern Ag Alliance is a diverse coalition of more than 110 agricultural organizations advocating for U.S. farmers’ access to the crop protection tools they need to ensure we have a robust and affordable domestic food supply. To learn more, visit modernagalliance.org.