Ag Groups Voice Cautious Support for MAHA Commission’s New Health Strategy

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) commission released its long-awaited “Make Our Children Healthy Again” strategy report on Tuesday, following May’s controversial “Make Our Children Healthy Again” assessment. 

The strategy report, a draft of which was leaked last month, “notably stops short of recommending changes to U.S. agrochemical approval or regulatory processes, a key demand of some MAHA activists,” said Reuters’ Ahmed Aboulenein, Renee Hickman, and Leah Douglas.

“Rather, the report says the Environmental Protection Agency will work to build public confidence in its pesticide review process and reform its agrochemical approval process to ensure their ‘timely availability’ to farmers,” they said.

Agricultural groups and government officials were quick to respond to the report’s official release. Here are the reactions.

Agricultural Groups

American Farm Bureau Federation

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is the nation’s largest farmer-run organization and serves farmers in all 50 states.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall commented on the strategy report in a statement Tuesday.

“Farmers and ranchers share the goal of improving health outcomes in America, and they are dedicated to growing safe, nutritious, and affordable food for America’s families. Healthy meals start with healthy farms, and we appreciate the report’s recognition of the vital role farmers play in the food supply chain.

“A renewed focus on American-grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat, along with reintroducing whole milk into the school meal programs can help provide a foundation for a lifetime of smart choices. Reducing or streamlining regulations in smart ways can allow farms operating on very thin margins to innovate, diversify, and respond to consumer demand. Prioritizing voluntary conservation efforts for farmers and ranchers and optimizing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)’s already robust pesticide regulatory process to accelerate innovation are welcome recommendations.

“We appreciate the commission’s willingness to meet with farmers across the country, hear our concerns, and develop smart solutions. Those of us involved in the food system look forward to being fully engaged with the commission, and policymakers at all levels, to ensure a full understanding of the scope and intention of the recommendations and impact on our food supply chain.

“Our food system has evolved and innovated over time to provide healthy and nutritious food to meet the diverse needs and preferences of American families, and we look forward to further innovations to improve health outcomes in America while ensuring farmers and ranchers can stock America’s pantries.”

American Soybean Association

The American Soybean Association (ASA) represents U.S. soybean farmers on domestic and international policy issues. ASA has 26 affiliate state associations representing 30 soybean-producing states and nearly 500,000 soybean farmers.

ASA expressed “cautious optimism” in a statement on Tuesday following the report’s release. 

“Soybean farmers are thankful the MAHA commission recognized EPA’s approval process as the global gold standard,” said ASA President Caleb Ragland. “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.”

The sentiment of gratitude was tempered with the following: “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 rulemakings that could negatively impact U.S. farmers and the public.”

Association of Equipment Manufacturers

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is the leading organization in North America advancing construction and agriculture equipment manufacturers and their value chain partners in the global marketplace.

In response to the release of the strategy, AEM Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations Kip Eideberg issued the following statement:

 “The Association of Equipment Manufacturers applauds the MAHA commission for recognizing the critical role that precision agriculture technology plays in ensuring that future generations grow up in a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient America. Precision agriculture technology not only enhances agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability but also improves public health outcomes by reducing the amount of pesticides applied, improving air and water quality, and supporting the production of more nutritious food. AEM looks forward to continuing to work with the MAHA commission to advance the adoption of precision agriculture technology and support its efforts to build a healthier, more resilient future for all Americans.”

Corn Refiners Association

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913.

Following the report’s release, CRA President and CEO John Bode released the following statement encouraging the commission to pursue science-based legislative and regulatory activity in its efforts to improve American public health:

“CRA supports the administration’s continued focus on improving public health, understanding that America’s food producers are a key partner in this effort,” Bode said. “The work of farmers, ranchers, and food manufacturers to provide a safe, affordable food supply should be commended. As the administration and congressional leaders consider these policy recommendations, CRA is eager to partner in a thoughtful process grounded in science- and evidence-based methodologies focused on nutrient composition.

“Nutritional quality of the consumer diet is determined by the nutrient content of foods eaten, not the degree of processing. It would be counterproductive to discourage consumption of highly nutritious foods that meet real world consumer needs, like convenience or increased fiber, simply because the food is more processed. American consumers have varying dietary needs, and innovation can help supply a diverse array of options to meet those needs.

“As the report emphasizes the importance of soil health, we are proud that American corn refiners have long supported the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices, such as cover crops, reduced or no-till, and crop rotations, on more than 5.5 million acres of U.S. farmland. That’s an area roughly the size of New Jersey. These efforts are improving soil health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing water retention and biodiversity, all while helping farmers strengthen their operations.”

International Fresh Produce Association

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support.

IFPA issued the following statement in response to the commission’s report:

“IFPA welcomes the publication of the MAHA commission’s second report, which marks an important step in elevating nutrition as a national public health priority. We applaud the commission’s recognition of the vital role ‘whole, healthy’ foods like fresh produce play in improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Simply put, you cannot make America healthy again without fruits and vegetables. 

“Building on this momentum, IFPA urges policymakers to take bold, practical action. Our evidence-based policy recommendations call for the Department of Health and Human Services to embed produce prescriptions as a covered benefit within federal health programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs; urge Congress and USDA to expand the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program to all schools and improve fresh produce procurement options in feeding programs; ask FDA to prioritize clear and transparent front-of-pack labeling to help consumers make informed choices; and support all production systems including voluntary, incentive-based regenerative agriculture policies that focus on strengthening soil health, biodiversity, and water efficiency while ensuring a sustainable produce supply.

“In the months ahead, IFPA will focus its efforts on both administrative and congressional pathways to make our recommendations a reality. The fresh produce industry stands ready to partner with the Trump administration, lawmakers, and nutrition and agricultural leaders to ensure every American has access to the fruits and vegetables they need for a healthier life.” 

Meat Institute

The Meat Institute represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day.

In a statement Tuesday, the Meat Institute said the report “offers sweeping reforms establishing the importance of food and nutrition in the health of the nation’s children and is a good first step towards recognizing the nutritional value of meat and poultry after years of misguided policies attacking meat consumption.”

“Science has shown what American parents have known all along: Nutrient dense meat and poultry products are essential to a well-balanced diet,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “For years, previous administrations have tried to discourage consumption of meat, primarily for reasons unrelated to nutrition, and as a result our most vulnerable populations — children, adolescent girls, nursing mothers, and seniors — no longer consume enough protein and critical nutrients like iron and zinc.”

“The bold leadership of Secretary Kennedy and Secretary Rollins will finally give Americans not only permission, but the encouragement to eat meat because it is a good, accessible source of nutrition for their families,” Potts said.

“It is great to see the coordination between Health and Human Services and the USDA on food safety,” Potts added. “The support for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points in the strategy is in addition to the significant food safety investment made by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins in July. We are so glad the Trump Administration continues to encourage greater adoption of this successful science-based program to enable the industry to better protect consumers.”

National Cattleman’s Beef Association

The National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898 and is the largest association of cattle producers in the United States.

In a statement Tuesday, NCBA welcomed the release of the report:

“From every angle, it is tough to beat American beef. Our farmers and ranchers raise the best beef in the world, providing a healthy, fresh protein option to millions of families every day,” said NCBA President and cattle producer Buck Wehrbein. “We responsibly steward millions of acres of land, water, and wildlife habitat, including some of America’s most cherished landscapes and species. We pump lifeblood into the local economies of tens of thousands of communities across the rural American heartland. No matter how you look at it, American beef is the perfect fit for the MAHA commission’s goals.”

“This report confirms the science-based recommendation that making America healthy again has to start with safe, nutritious, fresh, whole-ingredient, and American beef hits the target on all of the above,” said NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “As this administration has pointed out before, beef is the crown jewel of American agriculture. Millions of American families build a healthy plate around our product every week. We will continue working with President Trump’s administration to keep the supply chain moving and keep the safest, highest quality beef in the world on grocery store shelves.” 

National Corn Growers Association

Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) represents more than 36,000 dues-paying corn growers in 48 states, and the interests of more than 300,000 farmers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their state.

On Tuesday following the report’s official release, Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. published the following statement:

“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.” 

National Milk Producers Federation

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) develops and carries out policies that advance dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. NMPF’s member cooperatives produce more than two-thirds of U.S. milk, making NMPF dairy’s voice on Capitol Hill and with government agencies.

NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud issued the following comments on Tuesday:

“The MAHA Commission’s Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy recognizes what the latest science indicates and what we’ve long been saying: that getting whole milk back into schools and boosting dairy in diets helps meet America’s nutritional needs, and that it is critical to improving the health of our nation’s children.

“We appreciate the commission’s attention to our nation’s public-health needs, and we are excited that scientific evidence showing the benefits of dairy at all fat levels is finally gaining appropriate recognition. We are hopeful that the upcoming Dietary Guidelines will also reflect the overwhelming evidence that NMPF has shared for years: Dairy, including whole and reduced-fat, is an excellent source of nutrients in American diets. And we look forward to working with the administration on furthering the health of American children.

“To further assist in dairy’s positive contributions to a healthier nation, we also urge Congress to pass the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would provide schools the opportunity to serve the nutritious whole and 2% milk that school kids love and codify into law the endorsement given in the administration’s report.”

National Pork Producers Council

National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is the global voice for the U.S. pork industry, protecting the livelihoods of America’s 60,000+ pork producers who abide by ethical principles in caring for their animals, in protecting the environment and public health, and in providing safe, wholesome, nutritious pork products to consumers worldwide.

NPPC released a statement after the report’s release.

“While agriculture’s voice was widely unheard in the initial MAHA report, we thank the administration for listening to our concerns before releasing the ‘Make Our Children Healthy Again’ strategy. We all want to help our children be healthy, yet there is still more work and understanding for this goal to best be accomplished,” said NPPC President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio.

“America’s pork producers need the administration’s continued partnership and receptiveness to agriculture and food industry education,” Stateler added.

NPPC’s statement warned that “the strategy incorporates a range of initiatives that risk stigmatizing modern farming while deviating from President Trump’s directives related to food security, safety, and affordability. And the regulatory expansion outlined in the report could lead to increased litigation against American businesses, including food and agriculture.”

National Sorghum Producers

National Sorghum Producers (NSP) represents U.S. sorghum producers and serves as the voice of the sorghum industry coast to coast through legislative and regulatory representation and education.

In a statement, NSP commended the Trump administration for “engaging agricultural stakeholders in the development of the report and for recognizing the central role U.S. farmers play in advancing a healthier America.”

“As a farmer and a mother, I am proud to see the Administration acknowledge the importance of agriculture in building a healthier future,” said NSP Chair Amy France, a farmer from Scott City, Kansas. “Sorghum farmers are innovating every day and we stand ready to partner in making America healthier.”

The statement concluded with, “NSP appreciates the commission’s decision to consult extensively with producers and urges the Administration to continue ensuring farmers have a strong voice as the MAHA agenda moves forward.”

The Fertilizer Institute

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers, and trading firms.

TFI released a statement on Tuesday in response to the report, welcoming 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,” the statement said. “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.”

The statement continued: “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. TFI has promoted stewardship practices through the ongoing 4R Advocate program, as well as the industry’s collective goal of having 70 million acres of U.S. cropland under 4R nutrient stewardship management by the year 2030.

“Congress can help promote healthy living and farming by ensuring that conservation funding and a focus on grower education and adoption of nutrient stewardship practices remain a cornerstone of the ongoing Farm Bill discussions.

“TFI thanks the Trump Administration and the MAHA Caucus for the opportunity to provide feedback and insights into the report and looks forward to continuing towards our shared goal of healthy soils and healthy Americans.”

Western Growers

Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. Western Growers’ members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce.

Western Growers released the following statement on Tuesday:

“The Trump Administration’s MAHA commission finally places a long-overdue emphasis on realigning our national food and nutrition policies to greatly enhance the role of fresh produce,” said Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia. “At the same time, the commission has created a roadmap that cuts regulatory red tape and fosters innovation in much-needed research necessary to protect and strengthen the ability of American growers to provide these fresh fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts. We thank the Administration for this needed disruption to our national food policies and look forward to collaborating with the Administration and the MAHA commission on making America’s farmers the foundational strength of a healthier population.”

Government Officials

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins

“Today’s MAHA Commission report is another historic milestone for our country and a testament to President Trump’s leadership and commitment to Make America Healthy Again,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. 

“America’s farmers and ranchers are at the heart of the solution — alongside doctors, parents, and communities — to fight chronic disease and protect future generations. Under this administration, we are not just talking about healthy outcomes; we are delivering them by securing voluntary commitments to remove artificial food dye from major brands, providing technical assistance to states interested in restricting junk food and soda from SNAP, and providing growers with new tools to maintain and improve soil health, including the introduction of a regenerative farming practice pilot program,” Rollins said. “Together with our partners at HHS and EPA, we are charting a new course, strengthening the health of our families, and ensuring the U.S. leads the world with the safest, strongest, and most abundant food supply.”

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

“The Trump administration is mobilizing every part of government to confront the childhood chronic disease epidemic,” Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said. “This strategy represents the most sweeping reform agenda in modern history — realigning our food and health systems, driving education, and unleashing science to protect America’s children and families. We are ending the corporate capture of public health, restoring transparency, and putting gold-standard science — not special interests — at the center of every decision.”

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin

“Protecting human health and the environment while powering America’s comeback isn’t just about serving Americans today; it’s about ensuring future generations inherit clean air, land, water, and the foundation for healthy lives,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “The Make America Healthy Again strategy outlines the keys to success from pro-growth policies that advance research and drive innovation to private sector collaboration and increased public awareness. I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively across the federal family to ensure our kids and our environment are protected.”

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary

“For too long health care has used a reactive approach to chronic diseases,” FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said. “I am pleased to support the findings of the MAHA commission and to promote a more proactive approach, tackling root causes undermining the health and happiness of American children.”

National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya 

“The MAHA Report provides a blueprint for the entire government to focus on solving the chronic disease crisis facing American children,” NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya said. “We must make America healthy again so our children live longer and healthier lives than we will.”

Editor’s note: Some of the previous statements have been edited and/or condensed by Successful Farming for style and clarity.