FARGO, N.D. -- Measure 3, on the North Dakota ballot, is about choices; food choices we have, but some would like to take those choices away. We have big farmers, small farmers, organic farmers, conventional farmers. They all bring something to the table for consumers.
It works because farmers and ranchers have the ability to choose the best farming methods for the type of consumers they want to reach. That's good for consumers because it means farmers and ranchers are responding to what we want.
But modern farming practices are under attack. We've seen what can happen when anti-agriculture groups go into states, push their agenda and fundamentally change agriculture by eliminating modern practices. All that does is take away the ability for farmers and ranchers to provide a product based on what their customers want.
We don't want to see it happen in North Dakota. That's why I support Measure 3. Measure 3 calls for a constitutional amendment to block any law "which abridges the right of farmers and ranchers to employ agricultural technology, modern livestock production and ranching practices."
Anyone who tells you that Measure 3 will give farmers and ranchers license to pollute or be negligent doesn't understand how seriously farmers and ranchers take their jobs. I'm a farmer, and I have gone to great lengths to make sure the practices I use are the best for the land and for the animals I raise. My family and I eat the same food you do. I don't take my job lightly.
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The list of Measure 3 supporters is long: the North Dakota Farm Bureau, the Stockmen's Association, North Dakota Grain Growers, the National Federation of Independent Business, the Independent Beef Association of North Dakota, North Dakota Pork Producers, North Dakota Soybean Growers Association and the North Dakota Ag Coalition, representing more than 35 organizations. North Dakota Agricultural Commissioner Doug Goehring has publicly supported the passage of Measure 3.
The Grand Forks Herald, Fargo Forum, Bismarck Tribune and Williston Herald have endorsed Measure 3.
Help farmers and ranchers keep providing us with the food choices we have come to expect. Vote yes on Measure 3.
Editor's Note: Doyle Johannes is president of the North Dakota Farm Bureau.
