Florida Farm Bill ready for Senate floor after lawmakers strip ‘agricultural disparagement’ language

'Farm bill' ready for Senate floor

TALLAHASSEE — Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson’s wide-ranging “farm bill” is now ready for the Senate floor, without controversial language to expand the ability of farmers to pursue legal damages over the “disparagement” of agricultural products.

Florida Senate removes controversial farm bill provision

The Senate Rules Committee voted to strip the expanded non-disparagement clause that would have extended legal protections to any agricultural product or equipment.

Senate moves along agriculture bill without provision ‘muzzling MAHA’

Acre after acre of sugar cane fields in Palm Beach County. (Photo via Florida Sugar Growers Co-op)Florida senators responded to public outcry Tuesday by approving an agriculture omnibus bill but leaving behind a provision that limited disparaging speech about food products.  Senators approved SB 290, the Florida Department of Agriculture’s annual bill addressing a myriad of topics, after it had been tabled during a previous meeting.  The bill or…

Food fight: Florida senators axe 'veggie libel' language

Florida senators remove controversial language from a bill that would have expanded a 'veggie libel' law.

Florida Farm Bill ready for Senate floor after lawmakers strip ‘agricultural disparagement’ language

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson’s priority legislation is inching closer to passage, with the House bill in its final Committee as well.

Florida farm bill sparks free speech fight, lawmakers strip controversial provision

What was supposed to be a routine update to Florida’s annual farm bill erupted into a First Amendment battle this week.