Kentucky SB 199, a Bill to Support Farmers, Marks Another Important Milestone
Today, the Kentucky House Agriculture Committee advanced Senate Bill 199 in a 13-5 vote, sending this critical legislation to the House of Representatives.
“Farmers provide the food, fuel, and fiber to power the Commonwealth, and they deserve clarity with the tools they depend on to keep costs down and yields high,” said Modern Ag Alliance Executive Director Elizabeth Burns-Thompson. “This is a problem Kentucky can address by passing this critical legislation. It’s now up to the full House to do their part.”
Crop protection tools are foundational to modern agriculture. From row crops to forestry, Kentucky producers depend on these tools to combat invasive weeds, pests, and other threats that can significantly reduce yields and increase production costs. Without reliable access to critical chemistries, farmers face higher input costs, lower productivity, and greater uncertainty at a time when margins are already tight.
Sponsored by Senators Jason Howell and Craig Richardson, SB 199 would reaffirm that federally approved pesticide labels are the law, ensuring that products reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are regulated according to those labels.
Kentucky agricultural and business organizations strongly support SB 199, including:
- 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
- Southern Crop Production Association
Agriculture plays a central role in Kentucky’s economy and way of life. As farmers navigate a challenging farm economy, they need dependable access to the safe, federally approved tools that help them remain productive and competitive. Ensuring regulatory clarity around these products helps protect family farms, rural jobs, and affordable food for consumers.
“We are very grateful to Chairman Dossett, the House Agriculture Committee, and Rep. Ryan Bivens for championing this issue and recognizing the importance of crop protection tools for Kentucky agriculture,” added Burns-Thompson.
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.