Missouri House Committee Votes to Protect Farmers' Access to Crop Protection Tools

Today, the Missouri House Agriculture Committee approved House Bill 544, sending to the floor critical legislation that would ensure farmers’ continued access to essential crop protection tools. 

“HB 544 is about protecting the backbone of our food system—America’s farmers,” said Modern Ag Alliance Executive Director Elizabeth Burns-Thompson. “Farmers need clear, consistent, and science-based rules in place so that the essential crop protection products they rely on to grow our food remain available. Today’s vote is a recognition of that need, and we thank the Missouri House Agriculture Committee for advancing this crucial legislation.” 

Sponsored by Rep. Dane Diehl, HB 544 would ensure 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. 

Missouri is a major producer of corn and soybeans, two crops that heavily depend on crop protection tools like glyphosate. 66% of the state’s corn acres and 91% of soybean acres rely on this essential herbicide, which helps control invasive weeds and save farmers an estimated $358 million annually. Without these tools, Missouri farmers could face higher input costs and lower yields, hurting the state’s agricultural economy and raising food prices. 

“Thank you to Rep. Dane Diehl, Chairman Doyle Justus, and Vice-Chairman Willard Haley for their important work advocating for Missouri farmers,” added Burns-Thompson. “We look forward to working with the full Missouri House to advance HB 544 and deliver a much-needed win for Missouri agriculture.” 

About The Modern Ag Alliance 

The Modern Ag Alliance is a diverse coalition of 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.