House Removes Legal Immunity Provision From Farm Bill

The House removed a legal immunity provision from the farm bill in April. The provision would have shielded pesticide manufacturers from lawsuits. A bipartisan group of 280 lawmakers, including 73 Republicans, supported the removal. The vote followed a rally held two days earlier on the steps of the Supreme Court.

Speakers at the event included Sen. Cory Booker, Rep. Chellie Pingree and Rep. Thomas Massie. Attendees called for greater corporate accountability on pesticide products.

The Senate will now address the farm bill.

Lawmakers will decide whether to retain other industry provisions or expand support for organic agriculture. Current funding for organic programs remains a small share of overall farm bill spending. The legislation also affects U.S. reliance on imported organic food.

Domestic production has not kept pace with consumer demand. Supporters argue that expanded domestic organic output could support rural employment and reduce dependence on chemical inputs.