Policy News – Blueprint for Rural Policy Action in the States

29May

Vermont Protects Pollinators and Supports Farmers with Neonic Bill

At the end of the 2024 session, Vermont became the second state in the nation to ban neonicotinoid treated seeds with H.706. The House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry led by SiX CROP members, Representative Mike Rice and Representative Heather Surprenant, took weeks of testimony from farmers, scientists, and other experts across the fields of agriculture and conservation biology in considering the implications and benefits of this bill. The vast majority of neonicotinoids…

22Apr

New York Protects Pollinators with Treated Seed Ban

In the 2023 session, New York state became the first state in the country to pass legislation banning the sale of neonicotinoid coated or “neonic” coated seeds following in the footsteps of previous unsuccessful attempts by the state of California to stop the sale of neonic coated seeds. As of December 22, 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed Senate Bill S1856A into law. New York Senate Bill S1856A, also known as the Birds…

23Jan

Oregon Rural Communities Win with CAFO Reform Bill

In a major win for rural communities in 2023, Oregon became the first state in decades to regulate large-scale concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) with the passage of Senate Bill 85 during the 2023 long session. In Summer 2023, SB 85 was signed into law by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek. SB 85 reforms and modernizes Oregon’s regulatory rules regarding the way large-scale concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are permitted and operated in the state including: …

21Jul

Minnesota Public Health Insurance Option a Win for Farmers

Among a slew of bills passed during the Minnesota 2023 session, the Minnesota public health insurance option (SF 2995) will be the first time many farmers and rural Minnesotans will have access to health insurance, removing a large barrier to healthcare access for rural, low-income and agriculture communities. Access to affordable healthcare has long been a barrier for rural and farming communities. Many farmers often seek secondary employment in addition to full time farming in…

14Jul

Illinois takes steps to increase support for Black Farmers

In a step forward for Illinois’ Black Farmers and Growers, the Illinois House passed a resolution (HR0164) declaring April 23rd – 29th Black Farmers and Growers week. Additionally, they passed HJR6 which creates a commission to study the impact of Uniform Partition of Heirs’ Property laws on Black farmers. Representative Sonya Harper, a CROP member and longtime champion for Black farmer equity in Illinois championed the bills. Rep. Harper worked with Black farmers, community advocates…

22May

Right to Repair Wins Big in Colorado

In a win for small farmers everywhere, Colorado passed the nation’s first Right to Repair law (HB23-1011) for farm and agriculture equipment on April 25, allowing farmers to repair their own equipment without being required to go through the manufacturer or a licensed dealer. Colorado State Representative Brianna Titone, an urban legislator and the first transgender legislator in the state, championed the agricultural Right to Repair bill following her successful effort to pass similar legislation…

17Jan

A Historic Win for Farmworkers in Colorado

In a historic win for farmworkers in Colorado and nationally, SB 87, the Farmworkers’ Bill of Rights passed both chambers of the Colorado legislature just days before the end of session. The bill, championed by lead sponsor Senator Jessie Danielson, is now heading to the Governor’s desk for signing. Colorado’s Farmworkers’ Bill of Rights will attempt to address the historical exclusion of farmworkers from labor laws and protections. Thanks to SB 87, Colorado farm and agriculture…