Voters approved a constitutional amendment protecting Missourians’ right to farm Aug. 5, with 50.1 percent of the vote for and 49.9 percent against.

The measure received support in rural counties and opposition in more populous counties, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Because the margin was less than 0.5 percent, the results are eligible for a recount. Any voter opposed to the measure may file a challenge, once the Missouri secretary of state certifies the results. The secretary of state has until Aug. 26 to certify the votes.

Opponents of the amendment criticized it for being vaguely-worded, saying the amendment would allow large corporate farms to escape regulation, according to the New York Times.

Proponents said that the measure was necessary to prevent attacks on agriculture by animal rights organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States and would protect the state’s agricultural heritage. Missouri has approximately 100,000 farms of various sizes.

The text of the amendment (PDF, 206KB):

"That agriculture which provides food, energy, health benefits and security is the foundation and stabilizing force of Missouri's economy. To protect this vital sector of Missouri's economy, the right of farmers and ranchers to engage in farming and ranching practices shall be forever guaranteed in this state, subject to duly authorized powers, if any, conferred by article VI of the Constitution of Missouri."

—Summarized by Progressive Dairyman staff from cited sources