MAHA has hit headlines many times this past year, and farmers are wondering how changes could impact their operations and food costs.
John Bode, President of the Corn Refiners Association, says that decisions should be guided by science to keep agriculture efficient and consumers protected.
“I think production in the U.S. is amazingly efficient and responsive to the market. You know, farmers are price takers. They don’t get to set their prices, and so they have to respond to the market. We need more markets in American agriculture. It’s important that policies that try to shape markets, shape demand, be science and risk-based. So, if that is the case, our good system will respond,” according to Bode.
Bode says that when MAHA policies follow science-based principles, the food system can adapt without unnecessary disruptions.
“Right now, the costs are just being passed on to consumers. And, that’s why we feel it’s so important that the changes be science and risk-based,” he explains. “So that we’ve got real benefits to be achieved by if you’re forcing change. If you’re doing that just to make a headline, that’s increased costs without real benefit.”
Bode notes that evidence-based approaches can help farmers adjust to policy changes while keeping the food system efficient and costs under control.
