We need your help. BigAg is trying to silence us and has slipped in an anti-free speech “gag law” into the Florida Farm Bill to punish all critics of pesticides, BigAg, and ultra-processed food. Protect our right to speak, warn and advocate for safe food and health before agribusiness silences us all.
Time to Act
The Bill will be heard on Wednesday, February 4th in the House Agriculture Subcommittee. We need calls!
The Gag Law:
Florida’s new “Gag Law” (Section 48 of SB 290 and Section 47 of HB 433) will silence doctors, journalists, scientists, influencers, and anyone nationwide who criticizes pesticides, farming, or ultra-processed foods.
This law gives agribusiness and pesticide manufacturers the right to sue anyone who criticizes Florida’s farming practices or products, claiming “disparagement.”
Bill text – SB 290 – Section 48
Bill text – HB 433 – Section 47
Why this matters:
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Establishes a dangerous free speech precedent that can extend to other issues.
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Silences pesticide critics just when our voices need to be loudest to stop federal and national pesticide liability shield legislation.
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Expands “food libel” laws beyond perishable foods to processed foods, grains, pesticides and farming practices.
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Allows corporations to recover legal fees when they sue us and lose. We would not be able to recover legal fees even if we win, and the lawsuits would be too costly to take on. Critics will be shut up or bankrupted.
Take action now:
Please contact the following members of the FL House Ag Committee. Tell them to protect free speech and STRIKE SECTION 47 from HB 433.
Sample script (feel free to make it your own):
Hello, my name is ___, and I’m calling to urge the Representative to oppose HB 433 unless Section 47 is removed. This provision creates a dangerous “gag law” that allows powerful companies to sue and silence critics for speaking truthfully about food, farming, and public health. It sets a chilling precedent that undermines free speech, scientific debate, and consumer transparency. No corporation should be able to bankrupt doctors, journalists, or citizens for raising legitimate concerns. Please protect free speech and either strike Section 47 or vote NO on HB 433.
Representatives on the Agriculture Committee
John Snyder (850) 717-5086
Adam Botana (850) 717-5080
Jon Albert (850) 717-5048
Barnaby Webster (850) 717-5029
Yvette Benarroch (850) 717-5081
Dean Black (850) 717-5015
David Borrero (850) 717-5111
Nathan Boyles (850) 717-5003
Jim Mooney (850) 717-5120
Michelle Salzman (850) 717-5001
Meg Weinberger (850) 717-5094
THANK YOU!!
Kelly
