Press Releases

A broad coalition of groups representing the agriculture community—from farmers to producers to processors—has expressed support for Congressman Mark Alford’s (MO-04) efforts to protect the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission from being hijacked by radical climate activists.

Earlier this week, Congressman Alford led a bicameral letter with Congressman Randy Feenstra (IA-04), as well as Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Deb Fischer (R-NE), to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin. The letter urges the MAHA Commission to reject influence from left-wing activists and instead use sound science and risk-based analysis in its policy decisions, particularly on crop protection tools and food-grade ingredients.

Read what the agriculture community has to say about this effort below:

“Missouri’s corn farmers are committed to feeding and fueling a growing world, and that mission demands access to proven, sustainable, economically feasible crop protection tools,” said the Missouri Corn Growers Association. “This progress doesn’t happen by chance. It requires federal agencies and the Make America Healthy Again Commission to rely on sound science and transparent, defensible decision-making. To keep America at the forefront of food and energy production, we must ground every decision in credible, science-driven processes.”

“We appreciate Congressman Mark Alford and his colleagues for calling attention to this important matter, particularly as it relates to agriculture,” said Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins. “Science-based decision making is a core principle that we hold high value in, and access to important inputs make it possible for farmers and ranchers to produce the safest and most affordable food supply in the world. We look forward to continued engagement with our congressional delegation and with the Administration on these matters as we work to advance American agriculture.”

 “ASA applauds the efforts of Representatives Alford and Feenstra and Senators Ricketts and Fischer to conduct needed oversight on the work of the Make America Healthy Again Commission,” said Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association and soy farmer from Kentucky. “Farmers agree it is important that we consider ways to improve Americans’ health, but it is also essential that this work be grounded in sound science. We have seen activist groups trying to blatantly influence the work of the commission without basing their claims in the mountains of credible science that exist on seed oils, pesticide use, and other topics critical to agriculture and feeding our country. We thank these congressional leaders for working to ensure safeguards are in place to prevent activist groups from using the MAHA Commission to carry out their long-standing goals based on conjecture and in turn disrupting American agriculture and our food supplies.”

"CRA is grateful to American agriculture’s congressional champions for their letter to the MAHA Commission,” John Bode, the President and CEO for the Corn Refiners Association. “The current focus on obesity and its related chronic diseases represents a major opportunity to improve public health. Efforts to address those problems must adhere to President Trump’s regulatory approach and be anchored in science- and risk-based decision-making."

“It is essential that farmers have access to modern agricultural tools, including pesticides, which are critical in the production of our crops and ensuring a plentiful, safe and affordable feed and fuel supply for all Americans,” said the National Corn Growers Association. “We are appreciative of these members of Congress for working to ensure the integrity of the science- and risk-based regulatory process.”

"NOPA’s members proudly process oilseeds into meal and oil for use in a wide range of essential products, including food, animal feed and renewable fuels. From facilities in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and across the country, our industry plays a vital role in American agriculture and supports a healthier America. While we value the goals of the MAHA Commission, it’s important these discussions be based on science and research, particularly as it relates to seed oils, which have long been a cornerstone of modern nutrition. We appreciate the work of Representatives Feenstra and Alford, Senators Ricketts and Fischer, and many others to lead this effort to support American agriculture’s role in positive health outcomes and a vibrant rural economy,” said Devin Mogler, National Oilseed Processor Association President and CEO.

“As part of our mission to reduce diet-related chronic illness by increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, the International Fresh Produce Association strongly supports efforts to protect the viability of all fresh produce production systems—including organic, regenerative, and conventional,” said the International Fresh Produce Association. “As the MAHA Commission advances its work, IFPA joins Members of Congress in emphasizing the need to uphold science-based decision-making. This ensures growers can continue delivering a safe, abundant, and affordable food supply, while fostering innovation in crop protection, biotechnology, and integrated pest management.”

“The U.S. Canola Association greatly appreciates the 79 congressional offices that signed onto this letter, led by Senators Ricketts and Fischer and Representatives Feenstra and Alford, and recognize their leadership in championing science-based, risk-driven approaches to public health policy,” said the U.S. Canola Association. “Ensuring that decisions made by the Make America Healthy Again Commission are rooted in sound science is critical—not just for improving health outcomes, but also for protecting the future of U.S. agriculture and maintaining a secure, affordable food supply.”

The horticulture industry depends on science-based crop protection tools to grow healthy, high-quality plants that beautify our homes, communities, and public spaces,” said Rachel Pick, Senior Manager for Advocacy & Government Affairs at AmericanHort. “We commend Senators Ricketts and Fischer, Congressmen Feenstra and Alford, and their colleagues for urging the MAHA Commission to prioritize sound science and risk-based decision-making. Without access to safe and effective inputs, our growers face increasing pest and disease threats that jeopardize the health of our crops, reduce consumer access to diverse plant products including fruits and vegetables, and threaten the sustainability of our industry.”

###