HCS HB 1739 -- AGRICULTURAL LOANS

SPONSOR:  Myers (Dusenberg)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Agriculture Policy by a vote of 18 to 0.

This substitute defines "vermiculture operation" as a Missouri
business entity engaged in raising earthworms under a controlled
environment and makes them eligible for certain agricultural loan
programs including Agricultural Linked Deposit loans and
single-purpose animal facility loan guarantees.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will aid in the
expansion of vermiculture in Missouri's rapidly expanding organic
agricultural industry.  Worm castings are an effective
alternative to chemical fertilizers and insecticides.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Dusenberg; and Doug
and Becky Halphin, Windswept Worm Farm.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Roland Tackett, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:44 am