In May 2025, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., released its inaugural report, “Making Our Children Healthy Again.” This 68-page document has stirred intense debate, earning praise from health advocates and sharp criticism from major agricultural industry groups. The report tackles the alarming rise in chronic diseases among Americans, particularly children, pinpointing diet and environmental factors like pesticides and seed oils as key culprits. While its goal is to improve public health, the report has raised concerns among farmers and agribusinesses, who fear it could disrupt their livelihoods and reshape the future of American agriculture. As the nation grapples with skyrocketing obesity, heart disease, and other diet-related illnesses, the MAHA report signals a potential turning point—one that could redefine farming practices and offer opportunities for farmers to adapt to a growing movement for a healthier America.
A Nation in Crisis: The Health Imperative Behind MAHA
America’s public health is in dire straits. Over 40% of adults and nearly 20% of children are obese, according to the CDC, with rates climbing steadily over decades. Heart disease remains the nation’s leading killer, claiming over 600,000 lives annually, while type 2 diabetes is increasingly diagnosed in younger populations. These conditions are deeply tied to diet, with Americans consuming diets heavy in ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats while skimping on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The MAHA report argues that the modern food system, while delivering abundance and affordability, contributes to this crisis. It highlights four drivers of childhood chronic diseases: poor diet, environmental chemical exposure (including pesticides like glyphosate and atrazine), lack of physical activity, and chronic stress or overmedicalization.
The report’s focus on pesticides and seed oils, such as those derived from soybeans and canola, has particularly alarmed the agricultural sector. It suggests these elements may contribute to health issues like obesity, behavioral disorders, and even cancer, though it calls for further research to confirm these links. While the report avoids outright calls for bans, its tone and implications have sparked fears of restrictive policies that could upend farming practices and markets.
Agricultural Backlash: A Sector Under Fire
Major agricultural organizations, including the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, International Fresh Produce Association, and American Farm Bureau Federation, have fiercely criticized the MAHA report. They argue it is “brazenly unscientific” and undermines decades of research and regulatory oversight by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The report’s suggestion that pesticides harm health is seen as a direct attack on modern agriculture, which relies on them to maintain high yields and affordability. Row crop growers depend on seed oils to sustain profitability and argue that they are not the villains they are being made out to be. The American Soybean Association, for instance, cites a March 2025 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showing that plant-based oils reduce cancer and cardiovascular disease risk by 16% compared to high-saturated-fat alternatives.
Farmers and industry groups are also frustrated by the MAHA Commission’s process. Despite their efforts to provide input, the commission, led by HHS, reportedly declined to engage with agricultural stakeholders. This exclusion has fueled accusations that the report prioritizes the agendas of “food elitists” and activists over the expertise of those who produce the nation’s food. Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, called it “deeply troubling” that the White House would endorse a report that “sows seeds of doubt and fear” about American agriculture without involving farmers.
The stakes are high. The Modern Ag Alliance warns that restricting pesticides like glyphosate could slash crop yields, increase input costs by 150%, and more than double food inflation, threatening both farmers’ livelihoods and consumers’ access to affordable food. The American Soybean Association raises a national security concern, noting that limiting domestic pesticide production could increase reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly China, which produces over 80% of the world’s glyphosate. Beyond economics, agricultural groups fear the report could erode public trust in the U.S. food system, which they describe as the “safest, most abundant, and affordable” in the world.
What’s at Stake: The Potential Fallout
The MAHA report is the first of two, with a second report due by August 10, 2025, that will propose policy recommendations. While its current tone is moderate, calling for more research rather than immediate bans, the implications could be profound. Stricter EPA regulations on pesticides could raise compliance costs and reduce yields, squeezing farmers’ margins. The report’s critique of ultra-processed foods and seed oils could shift demand away from crops like corn and soybeans, which are staples in processed products, forcing farmers to adapt to new market realities. Such changes could also ripple through federal programs like SNAP and school lunches, potentially limiting purchases of processed foods and affecting commodity markets.
On a broader scale, the report could weaken domestic agricultural production, increasing reliance on imported food and exposing farmers to global competition. CropLife America warns that limiting EPA-approved pesticides could lead to significant crop losses, higher grocery prices, and fewer healthy food options—ironically undermining the MAHA Commission’s health goals. Meanwhile, the report’s narrative, amplified by public figures like Kennedy, could shift consumer preferences toward organic or pesticide-free products, pressuring farmers to adopt costlier production methods to stay competitive.
A Path Forward: Opportunities for Farmers
Despite these challenges, the MAHA report offers farmers a chance to align with a growing cultural and political movement to improve American health. By proactively adapting, farmers can turn potential disruptions into opportunities. Embracing certain practices, such as reduced-pesticide or regenerative agriculture techniques, can appeal to health-conscious consumers while improving soil health and reducing chemical reliance. USDA programs like the Conservation Stewardship Program can provide financial support for these transitions.
Diversifying crops and markets is another avenue. The report’s emphasis on reducing ultra-processed foods could boost demand for fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Farmers can explore specialty crops or partner with local markets, such as farmers’ markets or community-supported agriculture programs, to meet this demand. Certifications like organic, non-GMO, or regenerative can also open premium markets, while transparent labeling and storytelling about sustainable practices can attract consumers willing to pay more for health-focused products.
Engaging with policymakers and consumers is critical. Agricultural groups are calling for inclusion in the MAHA Commission’s next phase, and farmers can amplify this by advocating for science-based policies. Hosting farm tours for policymakers, as Montana farmers have suggested, or using social media to connect with consumers can rebuild trust and showcase farmers’ commitment to health and safety. Collaborating with universities or industry groups on research can also help address MAHA’s concerns while reinforcing the safety of current practices, ensuring that future policies are grounded in practical realities.
Bridging Health and Agriculture
The MAHA report underscores a stark reality: America’s health crisis demands urgent action. However, its approach has alienated farmers, the very people who feed the nation. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, a MAHA Commission member, has sought to ease tensions, emphasizing that the report is not meant to demonize farmers but to spark a conversation about improving health outcomes. “None of this will compromise the ability of our American agriculture to do what they do best, which is to feed the country and the world,” she stated.
For farmers, the path forward lies in balancing innovation with tradition. By adopting regenerative practices, diversifying their operations, and engaging with policymakers and consumers, farmers can lead the charge in producing healthier food. As the MAHA Commission prepares its policy recommendations, collaboration between agriculture and health advocates will be essential to craft solutions that are both scientifically sound and economically viable. The stakes are high—not just for farmers’ livelihoods but for the health of future generations. By seizing this moment, farmers can help shape a future where American agriculture and public health thrive together.