Modern Ag Alliance Applauds the Kentucky Senate for Standing With Farmers
March 5, 2026
Contact: contact@modernagalliance.org
OMAHA, NE — Today, the Kentucky Senate passed Senate Bill 199 by a vote of 23-13—critical legislation to provide clarity on regulatory requirements for crop protection tools, and thus ensuring farmers’ continued access to these tools they rely on to grow a robust supply of safe, affordable food, fuel, fiber, and more.
“By passing S.B. 199, Kentucky has taken a significant step in supporting the hardworking farmers who power Kentucky’s economy and keep food on the table for families across the Commonwealth,” said Modern Ag Alliance Executive Director Elizabeth Burns-Thompson. “The Modern Ag Alliance commends the Kentucky Senate for taking decisive action on this important issue for farmers and families.”
Agriculture fuels Kentucky’s economy, generating nearly $50 billion in annual economic output and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. A major driver of that economic impact is the Commonwealth’s strong production of corn and soybeans. In fact, at least 48% of soybean acres and up to 99% of corn acres rely on the leading herbicide. As the birthplace of no-till farming, Kentucky farmers’ continued leadership on implementation of conservation depends on maintaining access to the proven tools they need to effectively combat pests and weeds, reduce erosion, and improve soil health.
The importance of these tools extends well beyond the farm. Timber and forestry operations also depend on them to protect Kentucky’s forests from invasive species and preserve natural resources for future generations.
Sponsored by Senators Jason Howell and Craig Richardson, SB 199 provides clarity on pesticide labeling standards and gives Kentucky farmers much-needed certainty that their essential crop protection tools will remain available. Without them, research shows that yields could decline by as much as 70% and food inflation could double.
The bill is supported by a strong 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.
“We thank Senate President Robert Stivers, Majority Floor Leader Max Wise, and the Kentucky Senate for advancing S.B. 199,” added Burns-Thompson. “We look forward to working with the Kentucky House of Representatives to protect the prosperity of Kentucky agriculture for generations to come.”
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.