WASHINGTON, (RFD-TV) — The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement is reshaping food policy in ways that bring both risks and opportunities for U.S. agriculture, according to new analysis from AgAmerica Lending.
Originating during Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s 2023 campaign and formalized with his confirmation as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HSS), and the founding of the MAHA Commission in 2025, the movement emphasizes nutrition over pharmaceuticals in addressing chronic disease, with ripple effects reaching farms and agribusiness.
Many in agriculture applaud the latest report from the commission, saying the findings show officials were listening to ag industry concerns over the previous report.
Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), a founding member and chairman of the MAHA caucus, joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report with his thoughts on the Commission’s latest report and standout issues related to the farming sector.
In his interview with RFD-TV’s own Suzanne Alexander, Sen. Marshall discussed his thoughts on health soil, the use of pesticides and their role in the MAHA movement, and insights on Congress’ push to fund the government before the upcoming deadline on Sept. 30. Lastly, Marshall shared tips and insights for farmers headed into harvest with concerns over heavy financial strain and market access.
Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: MAHA’s growing impact on food policy will likely challenge conventional practices but open doors for producers aligned with regenerative, organic, or local markets. Farmers should prepare for shifting consumer preferences, regulatory changes, and new federal incentives tied to nutrition and health outcomes.
For producers, MAHA’s influence has already surfaced in consumer demand for food free of seed oils, artificial dyes, and high-fructose corn syrup. Ag groups warn that changes could cut corn prices by as much as 34 cents per bushel if HFCS use declines, with broader risks tied to tighter input regulations on pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs.
At the same time, opportunities are emerging through “Food is Medicine” initiatives, streamlined organic certification, and new local markets for specialty crops, dairy, and regenerative practices. Expanded subsidies in the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” may help offset transition costs.
Reviewing risk management now can help dairy and livestock producers enter 2026 with clearer margins and fewer surprises.
December 22, 2025 03:19 PM
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Canada’s new voluntary Grocery Sector Code of Conduct will take effect on Jan. 1, a goodwill effort to promote fairness and transparency between retailers and support farms that sell directly to stores.
December 22, 2025 02:54 PM
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With record grain harvests and rising global ethanol demand, leaders across the ag and energy sectors are pushing for year-round E15 sales to mitigate the strain on grain trade.
December 22, 2025 02:45 PM
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Small, locally focused wineries are finding resilience through direct sales and regional loyalty rather than scale alone.
December 22, 2025 02:05 PM
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Pork producers warn that proposed definitions of “ultra-processed” food in guidelines from the “Make America Healthy Again” plan could negatively impact industry-standard bacon, sausage, and feed practices.
December 22, 2025 01:38 PM
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Concerns over Chronic Wasting Disease are fueling a long-standing legal battle between Minnesota regulators and deer farmers. The case could soon reach the state’s Supreme Court with broader implications for agriculture.
December 22, 2025 01:31 PM
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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) are praising the passage of a bill to delist gray wolves as an endangered species by the U.S. House last week.
December 22, 2025 01:23 PM
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USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg told RFD-TV News that we can only guess what Congress will do down the road. Still, the USDA recognizes its responsibility to spend resources efficiently and effectively.
December 22, 2025 12:40 PM
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In Minnesota, a legal and legislative battle has reached a tipping point. For over a decade, the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the private deer-farming industry have been locked in a dispute over the management of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
December 22, 2025 12:30 PM
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