Farm leaders support MAHA crop production strategies

WASHINGTON — Concerns expressed by agriculture groups when the preliminary Make Our Children Healthy Again draft was issued in May were quelled with the final strategy.

The Make America Healthy Again Commission report, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., did not include new regulations aimed at farming as the initial draft did, but does include recommendations for food production.

Here is what agriculture group representatives had to say about the final strategy released Sept. 9.

“The MAHA Commission has listened to and engaged with America’s farmers and that is encouraging. The process has worked as it should, with ideas being challenged and experts in the relevant fields being heard.

“I am happy to see the commission acknowledge that on-farm conservation practices are an extremely important element on our farms, often with pesticides being integral to the soil health practices like no-till that I rely on. The commission confirmed that the Environmental Protection Agency is the appropriate agency to review pesticide approvals and recommended a review of EPA’s chemical approval process to prioritize timely reviews of the most current opportunities for farmers to control pests.”

Don Guinnip, District 12 director

Illinois Corn Growers Association

“The Fertilizer Institute welcomes the opportunity to make soil health a larger part of the public dialogue concerning agriculture and the overall health of the American people. American agriculture shares many of the MAHA movement’s goals, such as improving the health of our children, as well as ensuring we are taking great care of the health of our land. We are only as healthy as the soil our food comes from and there is a role to play for both industry and the public sector.

“TFI has for years been supportive of and actively promotes both expanded farmer adoption of 4R nutrient stewardship plans and the implementation of other conservation practices such as the use of cover crops and no-till farming.”

Christopher Glen, vice president of public affairs

The Fertilizer Institute

“The strategy acknowledges the EPA’s robust, science-based pesticide approval process, a welcome shift from earlier critiques, and highlights the benefits of precision agriculture while proposing policies to expand access to these tools. Soybean farmers are thankful the MAHA Commission recognized EPA’s approval process as the global gold standard.

“Between the May report and today’s strategy, the commission was accessible and open to learning more about modern farming practices. We truly felt like we had a seat at the table, and for that, we are incredibly appreciative.

“However, ASA remains concerned about the misinformed rhetoric from some commission members around edible soybean oil. Not only is soybean oil backed by decades of science confirming its safety and nutritional value for consumers, but it is also a vital domestic market. We urge careful consideration of any upcoming rule-makings that could negatively impact U.S. farmers and the public.”

Caleb Ragland, president

American Soybean Association

“The policy recommendations related to crop production, released today by the MAHA Commission, appear to be a reasonable and science-based approach for achieving its objectives. We are encouraged that when the commission engaged with agricultural stakeholders and followed the science, it reaffirmed what we already know: EPA is the appropriate agency for regulating crop inputs.

“We are also delighted to see precision agriculture, soil health and land stewardship prioritized, as these are areas in which corn farmers have led the way for many years. We look forward to working with the administration and Congress as they turn to the implementation of the report.”

Kenneth Hartman Jr., president

National Corn Growers Association

“American wheat farmers rely on safe and effective crop protection tools to ensure a stable and abundant supply of wheat, a cornerstone of our nation’s food security. These tools are essential for managing pests, diseases and weeds, which directly impact yield and quality. Without them, our farmers would face significant challenges in meeting the demand for wheat, ultimately affecting consumers through higher prices and reduced availability.

“We urge the MAHA Commission to continue to recognize the critical connection between agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship, and to support policies that enable farmers to continue producing the food, fuel and fiber our country needs. Farmers are stewards of the land, and we need the flexibility to use the best tools available to meet growing demand while preserving natural resources.”

Pat Clements, president

National Association of Wheat Growers