TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) – A Florida Senate committee unanimously removed a controversial provision Tuesday from the state’s farm bill that would have broadened disparagement lawsuits across the agricultural industry.
The Senate Rules Committee voted to strip the expanded non-disparagement clause that would have extended legal protections to any agricultural product or equipment. People from across the state filled the committee room as opponents argued the provision would restrict free speech.
“That would’ve absolutely intimidated free speech here in the state of Florida,” said Daniel Andrews, founder of Captains for Clean Water.
The bill now maintains Florida’s current non-disparagement framework, which applies only to perishable agriculture products and sets a lower legal standard than defamation lawsuits.
“You cannot lie about somebody and not expect there to be any consequences. That’s the law. What we didn’t want was someone to feel they couldn’t tell the truth,” said Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers.
Andrews said the expanded clause would have created a flood of litigation against agricultural critics.
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“A mother knows the food she’s putting into her kids’ mouths. If it’s hurting them, she doesn’t need to have the science,” Andrews said. “I’m most concerned about what’s in our food supply. I want the ability, just as an American citizen to be able to speak up.”
Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Keith Truenow, R-Tavares, who is sponsoring the bill, opposed removing the expanded provision.
“I ask you to not approve the amendment to the amendment,” Truenow said during the committee meeting.
Truenow argued the expanded non-disparagement clause would provide practical benefits for farmers and has proven effective under the current law.
“I think it worked for the last 30 plus years,” Truenow said. “We want to see Florida agriculture for the next 100 years to be successful.”
Senate President Ben Albritton said the farm bill continues to evolve.
“I will say the ag bill is a work in progress,” Albritton said.
Andrews warned the fight over expanded disparagement protections may not be over.
“We’re remaining vigilant. There were comments about tilling this back up next year. I think we need to realize this is not the end of the road,” Andrews said.
The controversial provision remains in the House version of the farm bill but is expected to be removed before that chamber votes. The Senate bill now moves toward final passage without the non-disparagement clause.
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