In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump announced plans to bolster the American agricultural sector by investing in what he terms “modern agricultural techniques.” This commitment is part of his broader economic agenda, which aims to ensure that Americans have access to “safe, healthy, high-quality foods,” an issue Robert F. Kennedy Jr. brought to the forefront of the Trump campaign.
President Trump shouts out and praises @RobertKennedyJr’s push for healthy and high-quality foods and agriculture:
“We will invest in new and modern agricultural techniques so we can have safe, healthy, high-quality foods for our families.” pic.twitter.com/8ferG8X1X2
— Conservative War Machine (@WarMachineRR) September 5, 2024
What exactly does this all mean in practice, though? Trump’s mention of modern techniques hints at embracing innovations that could potentially include genetically modified organisms (GMOs), advanced pesticide use, and possibly even regenerative agriculture. The former president’s approach seems to align with a push towards efficiency and sustainability in farming, potentially leveraging technology to reduce dependency on traditional farming methods criticized for their environmental impact and health concerns.
Trump says he'll invest in 'modern' agricultural techniques, cites RFK Jr. concerns https://t.co/MHWWzHuqOu #DonaldTrump #regenerativeag
— Agri-Pulse Communications (@agripulse) September 5, 2024
Trump cited Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s concerns about food quality and agriculture, which indicates a focus on health and safety in food production. Perhaps this suggests a nuanced approach where modern agriculture might mean not only technological advancement but also healthier food practices, aligning with some of RFK Jr.’s criticisms of current agricultural practices.
In the past, Trump has described himself as the “most pro-farmer president” ever.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: "We did more for American agriculture than any administration in history, by far!" pic.twitter.com/R2QxgHfeBf
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) July 7, 2023
Trump has often claimed that during his presidency, he did more for American agriculture than any previous administration, emphasizing that farmers were making a lot of money when he was in office compared to now.
OUR GREAT FARMERS OF AMERICA WERE MAKING A LOT OF MONEY WHEN I WAS PRESIDENT…AND NOW THEY’RE NOT…
Donald Trump Truth Social 07:00 PM EST 09/04/24 @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/7NxoW2ePzU
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) September 4, 2024
Trump’s strategy could be seen as a response to both market demands for healthier food options and the need for agricultural innovation to meet growing global food demands. However, the exact definition of “modern” might stir debate, especially among those advocating for completely natural or organic farming methods over genetically modified crops or extensive chemical use.
This announcement marks another chapter in Trump’s engagement with agricultural policy, previously highlighted by his pledge to restrict Chinese investment in U.S. farmland. This pledge underscores a theme of national food security and sovereignty.
While much of the heartland is firmly in the Republican camp, the Harris-Walz campaign has been seeking to make inroads into rural America, and it appears Trump would like to shore up his support base.