Lawmakers propose putting your right to grow food in the Tennessee Constitution

NASHVILLE (WDEF) – Two East Tennessee lawmakers have filed a bill to protect your right to grow food on your own land.

Rep. Michele Reneau from Signal Mountain and Sen. Adam Lowe from Calhoun are proposing a constitutional amendment on the issue.

They say some states are putting restrictions on how and what you can grow.

They want to put wording in the Tennessee Constitution saying we have ” a natural, inherent, and unalienable right to save and exchange seeds; acquire and consume food of their own choosing as well as grow, raise, harvest, and produce food on their own land. The amendment includes common-sense exceptions prohibiting trespassing, theft, poaching, or abuse of private property rights, and preserves the state’s authority to regulate controlled substances.”

The pair cite cases in Vermont, Ohio and Florida.

“More and more families are seeking to eat more naturally and are seeking positions of sustainable self-reliance,” said Lowe. “At the core of that independent lifestyle is the ability to feed oneself. Tennessee should continue to honor that.”

“From family gardens to working farms, Tennesseans have always provided for themselves through hard work and self-reliance,” Reneau said.  “This amendment protects that way of life for generations to come.”

Changing the Constitution is much more difficult than just passing a bill.

It must first pass both houses this year, and then a two thirds majority vote in the next General Assembly.

And then it goes to a public vote on election day.