Tennessee Lawmaker Proposes Constitutional Amendment for 'Right to Grow Food'

The resolution aims to establish Tennesseans' right to grow, raise, and produce their own food for personal consumption.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Rep. Michele Reneau (R-Signal Mountain) has introduced a resolution in the Tennessee legislature to amend the state's constitution and add a provision establishing the right for Tennesseans to grow their own food. The resolution proposes protecting '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.'

Why it matters

The proposed constitutional amendment aims to enshrine food freedom and self-sufficiency as fundamental rights for Tennessee residents. Supporters argue this would help families save money on groceries and reduce reliance on commercial food systems, while critics may raise concerns about potential conflicts with existing regulations.

The details

Rep. Reneau's resolution, HJR 0780, was assigned to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee on January 21 but has not seen any further legislative action since then. In response to a report about Maine leading the way on food liberty, Reneau stated, 'Tennessee can lead the way too. I'm excited to sponsor HJR 780.' She added that 'Food freedom isn't a luxury—it's one of the oldest ways families stretch a dollar' and that 'Growing your own food = fewer grocery bills. Canning your own food = fewer grocery bills.'

  • The resolution was introduced in the Tennessee legislature on January 21, 2026.
  • The resolution was assigned to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee on January 21, 2026.

The players

Rep. Michele Reneau

A Republican state representative from Signal Mountain, Tennessee who introduced the resolution to amend the state constitution to establish a 'right to grow food' for Tennesseans.

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What they’re saying

“Tennessee can lead the way too. I'm excited to sponsor HJR 780.”

— Rep. Michele Reneau (wsmv.com)

“Food freedom isn't a luxury—it's one of the oldest ways families stretch a dollar. Growing your own food = fewer grocery bills. Canning your own food = fewer grocery bills. That's not elitism—it's basic math.”

— Rep. Michele Reneau (wsmv.com)

What’s next

The resolution has been assigned to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee, but no further legislative action has been taken yet. The next step would be for the subcommittee to consider and potentially advance the resolution.

The takeaway

This proposed constitutional amendment reflects a growing movement to enshrine food freedom and self-sufficiency as fundamental rights. If passed, it could make Tennessee a leader in protecting residents' ability to grow their own food, potentially helping families save money on groceries. However, the proposal may also face scrutiny over potential conflicts with existing regulations.