Guest column: Time to protect the right to farm in Missouri's constitution

Thomas Jefferson had it right two centuries ago when he wrote to his fellow founder, John Jay, that "cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens." Farmers, Jefferson explained, are "the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous" Americans. They are "tied to their country and wedded to its liberties and interests by the most lasting bonds."

Nothing has changed in the 230 years since. Now, as then, agriculture is more than just another industry. It is a time-honored way of life that is vital to our republic. Missouri farm families today display the same independent spirit and determined work ethic Jefferson so admired back in 1785, the spirit and work ethic on which our democracy depends. I know all this from experience. I come from a family of farmers, and I grew up in a farming community in rural Missouri. I've seen firsthand the work farming families do each day to deliver a safe, affordable and abundant food supply to the nation, and to the world.

Missouri farm families represent the backbone of our state's economy. Other states have bountiful natural resources such as oil to keep their economies strong. In Missouri, we are blessed with bountiful productive land and hardworking farmers. Agriculture is the No. 1 sector of our state's economy. If you've driven across Missouri, you've likely encountered a red and white bumper sticker that reads, "No Farmers -- No Food." It's true.

Unfortunately, Missouri agriculture is under attack from government bureaucrats and outside interest groups that want to tie down farmers with burdensome regulations. These actions threaten the farm families who depend on the land for their livelihoods and Missouri's economy, which depends on farmers for its success.

This November, Missouri voters will have the chance to do something substantial to protect our farmers and ranchers. We will have the chance to vote inscribe the right to farm into our state constitution. Constitutional Amendment No. 1 would guarantee all Missouri farmers and ranchers the right to pursue their vocation and to continue serving our state.

The amendment would make clear in our constitution that agriculture provides food, energy, health benefits and security. It would acknowledge agriculture's place as the foundation of our state economy. And it would forever guarantee the right of farmers and ranchers to engage in farming and ranching practices.

Constitutional Amendment No. 1 has the strong backing of the Missouri Farm Bureau and other pro-farmer organizations. Most importantly, it has the support of ordinary Missourians. A recent poll by the The Wickers Group found that nearly 70 percent of Missourians support the amendment. [Source: <I>http://libertyprojectmo.com/new-poll-shows-nearly-70-support-right-farm]

Missourians are overwhelmingly on the side of farmers and ranchers whose livelihoods are being threatened by government intrusion.

One of the reasons I formed Missouri Liberty Project (LibertyProjectMO.com), a new not-for-profit group in Missouri, is to take give Missourians the chance to stand up for important constitutional rights like this one. There's a growing sense our democracy -- at both the state and federal level -- just isn't working right. Worse, most Missourians don't believe they can do anything about it. But this November, we can do something about it. We can make our voices heard in support of the farmers and ranchers who deserve our thanks, and the constitution's protection.

Josh Hawley is the president of Missouri Liberty Project. He is a constitutional litigator, law professor at the University of Missouri and counsel to Hobby Lobby in its case for religious freedom.