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HJR 780

Constitutional Amendments - Proposes adding a provision establishing the right to food that includes the right to save and exchange seeds and the right to grow, raise, harvest, produce, and acquire and consume the food of their own choosing for their own nourishment, sustenance, bodily health, and well-being. -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Michele Reneau

Tennessee constitutional amendment establishing right to grow, save seeds, and produce food for personal consumption without government restriction.

Failed for lack of second in: Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee
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Bill Summary · HJR 780

Legislative bill overview

HJR 780 proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Tennessee's state constitution that would establish a right to food. This right would explicitly protect individuals' ability to grow, raise, harvest, produce, acquire, and consume food of their choice, as well as save and exchange seeds for personal sustenance.

Why is this important

Food sovereignty and agricultural autonomy have become increasingly contested issues as regulations around seed saving, home food production, and food distribution have expanded. A constitutional amendment would provide the strongest legal protection for these activities, potentially limiting government and corporate ability to restrict how Tennesseans produce or acquire their own food. This could have significant implications for subsistence farming, homesteading, gardening, and food system independence.

Potential points of contention

  • Food safety and public health concerns: Opponents may argue that unrestricted home food production and exchange could undermine food safety regulations designed to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks, particularly regarding meat processing and produce handling standards.
  • Agricultural regulatory authority: The amendment could conflict with existing federal and state agricultural regulations, pesticide controls, and animal husbandry laws, creating legal ambiguity about which regulations remain enforceable.
  • Corporate agricultural interests: Large-scale agricultural and seed companies may oppose protections for seed saving and exchange, as these activities can reduce seed purchases and affect intellectual property rights for genetically modified crops.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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