The Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has unveiled the Make America Healthy Again Strategy, a plan with more than 120 initiatives to tackle America’s growing childhood chronic disease crisis. Click here to read more.
American Farm Bureau Federation: MAHA Report Recognizes Solutions Within Agriculture
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Make America Healthy Again Commission’s “Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy.” “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 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.”
National Cattlemens Beef Association: American Beef is a Perfect Fit with the Second MAHA Report
Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association welcomed the release of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission’s second report. In May, the MAHA Commission’s first report highlighted the positive role beef plays in a healthy diet. Today, the second report expanded on the benefits of high-quality protein like beef and the critical role cattle producers play in helping make America healthy again. “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.” The second MAHA report takes a holistic approach to the health, safety, and security of our food supply chain. Highlights from the report include: Stressing the need for a diet high in whole, unprocessed foods like fresh beef, fruits, and vegetables to support Americans’ health at every age and stage of life. Encouraging innovation that helps American agriculture stay at the leading edge of safe, healthy, nutritious food production. Jumpstarting gold-standard scientific research to answer targeted questions on the connection between diet, other lifestyle choices, and health outcomes. Exploring ways to boost consumption of fresh, healthy, locally produced foods. “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.” Years of peer-reviewed research, including clinical trials—the gold-standard for research—have proven that beef plays a key role in a healthy, balanced diet for Americans of all ages. A single 3-ounce serving of lean beef provides half of Americans’ daily protein needs with 10 essential nutrients, in fewer than 170 calories. To receive the same amount of protein from most plant sources, you would have to eat at least twice as many calories. The nutrients in beef, including protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, are critical for strengthening muscle, fueling a healthy metabolism, supporting cognitive development, and ensuring healthy living. As a source of nourishment and satisfaction in balanced diets, beef can help build and sustain healthy eating habits from childhood through adulthood.
Meat Institute: MAHA Strategy Elevates Role of Food & Nutrition for Healthy Children
The Meat Institute today said the “Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy” offers sweeping reforms establishing the importance of food and nutrition in the health of the nation’s children and is a good first step toward 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.” The Meat Institute, which includes meat packer and processor members of all sizes, large and small, were especially pleased to see the Strategy seeks to support adoption of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) food safety protocols. “It is great to see the coordination between Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on food safety,” said Potts. “The support for HACCP 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 .” The Strategy includes: Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs): USDA and HHS will launch an education campaign based on the updated DGAs. The campaign will expand upon a DGA that prioritizes whole foods including protein foods, fruits, and vegetables, minimizes highly processed foods, and added sugar, and brings awareness to strategies to improve health. “Healthy Foods and Healthy Families”: Empower families with practical knowledge, including food preparation methods, to make healthy choices regardless of budget or location. Food for Health: HHS, VA, and USDA will study the impact of programs that implement food and lifestyle interventions to improve health outcomes and decrease costs. The NIH Office of Nutrition will coordinate research initiatives to improve rigorous studies and maximize impact, including through large-scale randomized control trials. Nutrition: NIH will partner with FDA, USDA, and AHA to conduct high-quality nutrition research and ingredient assessments. NIH and HHS will take steps to fully utilize the newly created FDA and NIH Joint Nutrition Regulatory Science Program. USDA will prioritize precision nutrition research, which identifies how dietary exposures impact individuals, leading to more targeted nutritional recommendations. HHS will add questions to the National Survey of Children’s Health that focus on nutrition.
“Food for Health”: Emphasize how proper nutrition prevents and can help reverse chronic diseases and maintain general health.
National Pork Producers Council: MAHA Strategy Report Takes Heed of Pork Producers’ Concerns, More Education Still Needed
The MAHA Commission has released its “Make Our Children Healthy Again” strategy, which aims to address childhood chronic disease but also has potentially heavy impacts on farmers, sound science, and healthy food. These impacts remain a concern, but the strategy shows signs of progress from the initial “Make America Healthy Again” report released in May. “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 explained. 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. NPPC’s recommendations to the MAHA Commission leading up to the strategy’s release included:
- A fair and workable definition for “ultra-processed food”
- Protection of the use of food additives that enhance food safety, shelf life, and nutritional availability
- Exclusion of animal feed from reforms to the “generally recognized as safe” standard, to protect animal health
- Adoption of a risk-based approach – versus hazard-based – for determining the safety of technologies used in food production
When the initial MAHA Commission report was released in May, NPPC warned against the dangerous language used to describe the work of farmers feeding our nation, and NPPC has offered to partner in transparent, risk-based research to further public health.
American Soybean Association Statement on Release of ‘Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy’
The American Soybean Association today expressed cautious optimism following the Make America Healthy Again Commission’s release of the Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy and thanked the administration for increasing engagement with agricultural stakeholders since the May report. The strategy acknowledges the Environmental Protection Agency’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,” 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.” 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.
National Corn Growers Association Responds to MAHA Recommendations
Today the Make America Healthy Again Commission released its policy recommendations geared toward addressing chronic childhood disease. The report reflected NCGA’s recommendation of reinforcing the Environmental Protection Agency’s robust, globally respected pesticide review process. In response to this development, Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr., released 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 Sorghum Producers welcomes recognition of farmers and sound science in second MAHA report
The Trump Administration today released its long-awaited “Make America Healthy Again” strategy. National Sorghum Producers (NSP) commends the 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. The strategy affirms the Environmental Protection Agency’s role as the global gold standard in regulating crop protection tools, and it reflects respect for sound science in guiding federal decision-making. The report also highlights farmers’ leadership in innovation, from conservation and soil health to the adoption of precision agriculture technologies that improve sustainability and reduce inputs. “As a farmer and a mother, I am proud to see the Administration acknowledge the importance of agriculture in building healthier futures,” said NSP Chair Amy France, a farmer from Scott City, Kan. “Sorghum farmers are innovating every day and we stand ready to partner in making America healthier.” 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.
National Milk Producers Federation Statement on the ‘Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy’
From NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud: “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.”
CropLife America Responds to MAHA Commission’s Strategy
CropLife America (CLA), the leading organization representing the U.S. pesticide industry, today released the following statement on the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission’s strategy focused on children’s health, emphasizing the critical role of pesticides in ensuring a safe, affordable, and abundant food supply for American families. Alexandra Dunn, president and CEO of CLA, said: “CropLife America (CLA) appreciates this Administration and the MAHA Commission for inviting feedback and listening to America’s farmers and agriculture industry — and recognizing that pesticides are important tools that help farmers grow healthy, affordable, and abundant food for American families. “The Commission’s Strategy importantly acknowledges how EPA’s transparent, science and risk-based regulatory system is key to a safe and sustainable food supply. The United States regulatory system for pesticides is recognized as the gold standard around the world, and it is critical that American farmers and consumers can continue to trust the rigorous process and oversight. “American agriculture fuels a thriving economy — feeding people at home and abroad — while serving as a pillar of resilience, innovation, and global competitiveness. By controlling weeds, pests, and disease, pesticides help maintain crop yields and quality to safeguard U.S. food security. “CLA members are proud to be part of the innovation pipeline that keeps American agriculture strong. We look forward to continuing to work with this Administration and the wide range of stakeholders, including scientists, farmers, and policymakers, to support American agriculture innovation, maintain trust in America’s food supply, and improve public health for generations to come.”
National Association Of Wheat Growers Responds to Second Draft of MAHA Report
The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) today issued a response to the second draft of the MAHA Commission report, emphasizing the essential role of crop protection tools in sustainable wheat production and reaffirming the nutritional value of enriched and refined grain products in the American diet. “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,” said Pat Clements NAWG President. “We urge the MAHA Commission to recognize the critical balance 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.” NAWG also addressed concerns raised in the Commission’s framing of enriched and refined grains as “ultra-processed,” cautioning against broad generalizations that misrepresent their value in a healthy diet. “Enriched and refined grains—like bread, pasta, and cereals—are important sources of fiber, iron, folic acid, and other essential nutrients for millions of Americans,” said Clements. “These foods are often fortified to help fill key nutrient gaps, especially in underserved populations. The evidence simply does not support the idea that these grain products, when consumed as part of a balanced diet, are harmful to health.” NAWG remains commitment to supporting policies grounded in science, transparency, and nutritional equity.
National Oilseed Producers Association Statement on Release of ‘Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy’
The National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) issued the following statement today in response to the release of a policy report by the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission: “NOPA thanks the MAHA Commission for releasing a policy report consistent with the broad scientific consensus that our food system remains safe and secure. We appreciate the transparency shown by the administration during this process and value their ongoing engagement with NOPA and other agricultural stakeholders. While this report represents a step in the right direction, NOPA will remain vigilant in addressing policies and public statements that stoke fear based on misinformation rather than sound science.” – Devin Mogler, President and CEO, NOPA
Thompson, Boozman Statement on MAHA Report
House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR), released the following statement on the MAHA Commission’s report: “We appreciate the efforts of the MAHA Commission to enhance engagement with agricultural producers and stakeholders in developing these updated recommendations. America’s farmers are stewards of the land, producing our nation’s food while protecting the environment. Their expertise is essential in shaping sound, science-based policies that maintain a safe and healthy food supply. We must continue to prioritize innovation and ensure access to practical tools that enable our hardworking producers to meet growing production demands while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. We look forward to working with the administration to implement policies that advance these goals while addressing the challenges and realities encountered by farmers, ranchers, and producers.”
The U.S. cotton industry applauds the release of the Make America
Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission’s new report, which calls for multi-agency research into the potential human health risks and exposure of microplastics and synthetics, including those from textiles. The National Cotton Council also appreciates the Trump administration’s outreach and collaboration with agricultural industry stakeholders as the report was being developed. “With growing awareness of microplastics’ potential human health impacts, we thank President Trump and the MAHA Commission for their forward-thinking decision to investigate microplastics,” said NCC Chairman Patrick Johnson. “As this topic is researched further, we are optimistic about the potential to further underscore the inherent benefits of
natural fibers in the items in our daily lives, such as clothing and bedsheets.” “We also welcome news of the Environmental Protection Agency’s partnership with food and agricultural stakeholders to foster confidence in the EPA’s robust review procedures for crop protection products,” continued Johnson. “We stand ready to collaborate with the White House and all federal agencies as they work to implement the Commission’s report.”
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives Statement of President Duane Simpson on Release of Final MAHA Report
“The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives welcomes the release of the final Make America Healthy Again Commission report and recognizes the progress made since the previous report was issued in May. “We appreciate that the Trump Administration—working closely with Agriculture Secretary Rollins—listened to the concerns of farmers, ranchers, and cooperatives and addressed several of the issues raised in the earlier version. In particular, the final report avoids unfounded allegations about pesticides and instead supports the science-based findings of agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which have consistently affirmed the safety and efficacy of modern agricultural practices. “The report continues to highlight the vital role that farmers, ranchers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses play in ensuring a safe, nutritious, and affordable food supply for American families. We especially value the emphasis placed on the importance of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products in promoting better health outcomes. We also note with appreciation the recognition that multiple forms of fruits and vegetables—fresh, frozen, dried, and canned—provide significant nutritional benefits. “On behalf of America’s farmer cooperatives, we thank President Trump and Secretary Rollins for their commitment to a more balanced final report with regard to production agriculture. Their efforts to engage with the agriculture community throughout this process underscore the importance of collaboration in crafting policies that support both public health and the continued vitality of American agriculture.”
USA Pulses Commends MAHA Strategy’s Focus on Nutritious Foods to Combat the Chronic Disease Epidemic
USA Pulses, the leading voice for American-grown dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans, welcomed the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Strategy’s focus on increasing access to nutritious, whole foods that can help solve today’s most pressing health challenges. “We are encouraged by the Make America Healthy Again Strategy and its focus on increasing access to nutritious, whole foods like pulses, which have the power to improve public health,” said Tim McGreevy, CEO of USA Pulses. “Pulses — dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans — are a prime example of the kind of healthy, American-grown, whole foods that can support lifelong wellness, from childhood through adulthood. People love them because they’re affordable, versatile, and delicious. You can toss them in a salad, mix them into a soup, or enjoy them as a hearty main dish, and they’re packed with protein and fiber that can boost gut health and prevent diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. “Getting more pulses on more plates is an easy, delicious way to make America healthier. The upcoming dietary guidelines give us a perfect opportunity to help Americans enjoy more foods that improve the gut microbiome and curb chronic disease. USA Pulses looks forward to working with the administration to ensure more Americans have access to pulses, helping to build a healthier, stronger nation.” Pulses are the nutritious dried seeds of legumes commonly known as dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans. By growing and eating more American-grown pulses, the U.S. can transform public health, boost rural economies, and secure a more resilient future with affordable, wholesome foods that have nourished generations. In support of that vision, USA Pulses announced a new unified identity and ambitious goal to double U.S. pulse consumption and production by 2030. Pulses are an excellent source of fiber and folate, and provide meaningful amounts of protein, potassium, and iron. Fewer than 10% of Americans consume adequate dietary fiber, which is critical for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. A growing body of evidence links pulse consumption to reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. Despite their high nutritional value and exceptional health benefits, pulses are recommended at the lowest level of all other types of vegetables in the dietary guidelines. To address this, USA Pulses issued a white paper finding that an increase in the weekly recommendation for dry beans, dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas in the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans would align dietary guidance with the latest scientific evidence to help improve public health.
