What They Are Saying: Policymakers and Agricultural Organizations React to MAHA Strategy, Advocate for Upholding Science-Based Policies for Crop Protection Tools
Following last Tuesday's release of the MAHA Commission's Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy Report, agricultural leaders and policymakers are uniting around a clear message:
The importance of upholding the EPA's rigorous, gold-standard review process for crop protection tools. Leaders across agriculture emphasize that this science-based framework must remain the benchmark for regulating such inputs, and that preserving access to safe and effective tools is vital to maintaining an affordable food supply.
Here's what policymakers and ag leaders are saying:
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins: "The EPA is arguably the most rigorous, most data-backed, the most scientifically backed deep review process in the world. To approve any product that is used by our farmers, it will have gone through years upon years of research." (September 9, 2025)
House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15) and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR): "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." (September 9, 2025)
American Farm Bureau Federation: "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… prioritizing voluntary conservation efforts for farmers and ranchers and optimizing EPA's already robust pesticide regulatory process to accelerate innovation are welcome recommendations… 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." (September 9, 2025)
American Soybean Association: "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." (September 9, 2025)
- ASA President Caleb Ragland: "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."
Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode: "CRA supports the Administration's continued focus on improving public health, understanding that America's food producers are a key partner in this effort. 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." (September 9, 2025)
CropLife America, President and CEO Alexandra Dunn: "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." (September 9, 2025)
National Association of Wheat Growers President Pat Clements: "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." (September 9, 2025)
National Corn Growers Association: "The report reflected NCGA's recommendation of reinforcing the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) robust, globally respected pesticide review process." (September 9, 2025)
- Illinois farmer and NCGA's President Kenneth Hartman Jr: "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 Council of Farmer Cooperatives: "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." (September 9, 2025)
National Sorghum Producers: "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." (September 9, 2025)
- '“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, Kan. 'Sorghum farmers are innovating every day and we stand ready to partner in making America healthier."'