MO HB1253

Establishes a voluntary "Organic-Ready City Designation Program" within the Missouri Department of Agriculture allowing municipalities to apply for designation if they meet specified requirements.

Qualifying municipalities must not have ordinances discouraging locally grown organic food at food service businesses, community gardens, or residents raising small animals for personal consumption on their property.

Municipalities must establish an urban agricultural zone board under section 262.900 to promote urban agricultural zones within their jurisdiction.

Designated cities must submit an annual one-page report to the Department of Agriculture detailing ordinance changes, new urban agricultural zones, and other relevant information.

The Department of Agriculture will develop an organic-ready city logo for marketing use, maintain a public list of designated cities on its website, and may coordinate with the Department of Transportation to erect highway signs (at municipal expense).