Sen. Jacque, Rep. Sortwell: ‘Vegetable Garden Protection Act’ clears committee

MADISON… A bipartisan bill protecting the right of Wisconsin homeowners to grow their own food on their own property, free from unreasonable restrictions, passed a State Assembly committee today.

State Sen. André Jacque (R-De Pere) and State Rep. Shae Sortwell (R-Gibson) said they introduced the bipartisan Wisconsin Vegetable Garden Protection Act at the request of constituents across their districts after becoming aware that local zoning ordinances have explicitly banned home vegetable gardens.

Sen. Jacque and Rep. Sortwell said the proposal, based on model legislation from the Institute for Justice, strikes a reasonable balance between private property rights, localized “grow your own” food supplies, concern for pollinators, and legitimate community standards and public safety.

“State law should encourage and protect home vegetable gardens and private property rights,” Sen. Jacque said. “Recent events, including the global pandemic which has stressed global supply chains, emptied grocery store shelves, and increased food prices, makes protecting local food sources even more of a necessity for many today. “

“In today’s inflationary times vegetable gardens can help families cope with the skyrocketing cost of food,
Rep. Sortwell said. “Government should encourage and protect, not limit, the right to raise your own food on your private property.”

Sen. Jacque and Rep. Sortwell said the Two Rivers City Council recently extended their pilot program for front-yard vegetable gardens into the 2024 growing season, in part due to this legislation.

Darla LeClair, a council member, said, “I don’t think it would have been (extended), were it not for your Wisconsin Vegetable Garden Protection Act, which made it clear that this issue has merit. Thank you for all your help.”

Sen. Jacque and Rep. Sortwell said the Two Rivers initiative highlights the public interest in having the option to pursue a quality gardening space in a residential setting throughout the area. The States of Illinois and Florida have enacted similar laws protect citizens’ right to grow their own food on their own property.

The Wisconsin Vegetable Garden Protection Act (Assembly Bill 379) now heads to the Assembly Floor and must pass the Senate and be signed by the Governor to become law.