REP. RENEAU, SEN. LOWE FILE JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROTECT TENNESSEANS' RIGHT TO FOOD

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Rep. Michele Reneau (R-Signal Mountain) and Sen. Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun) have filed a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to protect Tennesseans' fundamental right to grow, raise, and procure the food of their choosing.

The resolution, HJR 780, would amend Article XI of the Tennessee Constitution to establish that all individuals have a natural, inherent, and unalienable right to save and exchange seeds; acquire and consume food of their own choosing; and 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 right to feed yourself and your family should not require government permission," said Rep. Reneau. "Whether you have a backyard garden or a working farm, Tennesseans should be free to grow and raise food without unnecessary government interference. This amendment puts that protection in our Constitution where it belongs."

The resolution responds to a growing nationwide trend of government restrictions on food production. Courts in other states have ruled that individuals have no constitutional right to grow food on their own property, and some jurisdictions have moved to limit or ban certain types of farming in the name of regulatory policy. The amendment aligns with the growing Make America Healthy Again movement, which emphasizes food freedom and personal choice in nutrition.

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

As a constitutional amendment, the resolution must pass both chambers of the 114th General Assembly and then be approved again by either a two-thirds majority in the 115th General Assembly or by a majority vote of the people in a gubernatorial election.

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

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About State Rep. Michele Reneau

Rep. Michele Reneau represents District 27 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, serving Hamilton County. She serves as a member of the Joint Commerce, Labor, Transportation and Agriculture, Government Operations, Transportation Committee, and Transportation Subcommittee.

About State Sen. Adam Lowe

Sen. Adam Lowe represents District 1 in the Tennessee Senate, serving Bradley, Meigs, McMinn, and Rhea Counties. He is Vice Chairman of the Agriculture and Energy Committee and also serves on the Education and State and Local Government Committees. Sen. Lowe is an outdoorsman and conservative Republican who champions parents' rights.