JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Coming into the 2022 legislative session, MCGA had several key priorities. Despite congressional redistricting battles and countless other hot political topic issues that brought progress to a crawl, MCGA was able to get several priority bills across the finish line.
Eminent Domain: One major accomplishment this session included eminent domain reforms to further protect farmers’ property rights. Although this legislation does not stop the Grain Belt Express project that has been in the works for several years, it does place many restrictions on future electric transmission projects impacting agricultural land. Some of the key reforms are:
- Just compensation for agricultural and horticultural lands to be set at 150% of fair market value.
- Requires condemning authority to engage in good faith negotiations for an amount no lower than 150% of the appraised value.
- Requires Missouri to receive an amount of electricity from the project proportional to the amount of line running through Missouri.
- Requires a farmer who has been engaged in farming for a minimum of 10 years within the county affected to be appointed to the commission which assesses damages from the project.
Gov. Mike Parson signed this much-needed legislation into law during the Missouri Cattlemen’s Steak Fry in Sedalia June 11. It takes effect Aug. 28, 2022. Thank you to MCGA members who made their voices heard on this issue to help protect the future of farming in Missouri.
Agriculture Omnibus: Agriculture tax credit programs have spurred investment in rural areas and bolstered markets for farmers for many years. Chief among these tax credits are those offered through the Missouri Agriculture and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA), which has a record of giving back more dollars to the state than what is invested. Unfortunately, these programs (which include the Meat Processing Tax Credit and New Generation Cooperative Tax Credit) expired last year. Recognizing the necessity for these programs, MCGA quickly worked closely with other ag organizations to push for the renewal of these programs and obtain a six-year extension through 2028. Due to other political hot button issues unrelated to MASBDA, the extensions were shortened to two years, which MCGA and other ag groups feel is inadequate for new and pending projects. However, this two-year extension does provide a solid starting point to pick up the issue again and fight for further extensions in the next legislative session. Also included are tax credits for ethanol and biodiesel retailers currently set to expire in 2024. The bill now sits on the governor’s desk.
Biofuels Infrastructure Improvement Program (BIIP): Another big win for MCGA this session was the $4 million secured in the state budget for the Biofuels Infrastructure Improvement Program (BIIP). This program helps fuel retailers update their infrastructure, such as tanks and blender pumps, to accommodate higher blends of biofuels. This funding, along with the remaining $700,000 from last year, will be an asset to bolstering biofuel availability in Missouri.
— MCGA