Kentucky Senate Agriculture Committee Advances SB 199 to Support Kentucky Farmers
Today, the Kentucky Senate Agriculture Committee advanced Senate Bill 199 in a 9-3 vote, sending critical legislation to the full Kentucky Senate to ensure farmers’ continued access to essential crop protection tools.
“SB 199 delivers the certainty farmers need today,” said Modern Ag Alliance Executive Director Elizabeth Burns-Thompson. “Our goal is that Kentucky farmers have every tool in the toolbox. This legislation affirms that producers have the access to the science-backed, federally approved technologies that they depend on.”
Kentucky depends on agriculture to drive its economy. From nearly $50 billion in economic activity to more than a quarter of a million jobs, the sector supports communities across the Commonwealth. Kentucky growers—from key row crops to forestry—depend on crop protection tools to sustain production, keep costs manageable, and maintain strong yields. Growers need these tools to manage weeds, pests, and invasive species, protecting Kentucky’s crops and forests.
Sponsored by Senators Jason Howell and Craig Richardson, SB 199 would ensure that any pesticide registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—and sold under a label consistent with the EPA’s own determinations—is sufficient to satisfy requirements for health and safety warnings.
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
Kentucky agriculture plays a vital role in feeding families and supporting rural communities across the Commonwealth. As farmers confront some of the toughest economic conditions in a generation, they need certainty around the safe, proven tools they rely on to stay competitive and keep food affordable at the grocery store.
“We applaud the leadership of Senator Howell and Senator Richardson as well as the members of the Senate Agriculture Committee for advancing this important legislation,” added Burns-Thompson. “We look forward to working with the full Kentucky Senate to continue moving SB 199 forward and deliver a win for Kentucky agriculture.”
About The Modern Ag Alliance
The Modern Ag Alliance is a diverse coalition of more than 110 agricultural stakeholders 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.