An effort to keep some types of Missouri farm information private has won approval.

The Senate agreed Tuesday (April 26) to keep data from voluntary agricultural programs confidential.

The measure allows state agencies to release information about whether a disease outbreak has affected specific animals and data which does not identify individual producers, but keeps private registration data for animal disease tracking.

Supporters say the legislation would protect farmers’ privacy and encourage participation in voluntary programs. Critics call it an attempt to evade public disclosure laws that will lead to less government transparency.

The House will now consider the updated version after approving broader exemptions earlier this year.