Key Takeaways

• Calley Means reassures American farmers of their involvement in the MAHA Commission’s policy development, emphasizing no harmful actions against agriculture.
• Vani Hari advocates for reducing pre-harvest glyphosate applications, which contribute significantly to dietary exposure.
• The Commerce Department has imposed new tariffs on 2,4-D imports from China and India, potentially impacting domestic prices.

Involvement of American Farmers

Calley Means, a prominent figure in the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement and White House adviser, has pledged that American farmers will be actively involved in the MAHA Commission’s policy development phase. His comments follow backlash from agricultural groups who felt excluded from discussions leading to the commission’s initial report, which prioritized certain research areas. Critics expressed alarm over the report’s stance on pesticides, fearing negative ramifications for US agriculture. In response, Means reassured farmers via a post on social media, stating there is no intention to implement policies detrimental to their interests. He emphasized the necessity of engaging in constructive dialogue about optimizing agricultural practices over the next decade through supportive policies.

Calls for Glyphosate Regulation

In related discussions, Vani Hari, known as the Food Babe, suggested that the administration could consider reducing pre-harvest glyphosate applications, which she claims are responsible for 90% of dietary exposure to this chemical while representing only 3% of its overall usage. This viewpoint aligns with ongoing debates about agricultural safety and regulatory measures.

Trade and Tariffs Development

Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa advocated for the U.S. to secure trade agreements with third-party nations to expedite negotiations with the European Union (EU). He noted that recent agreements, such as with the United Kingdom, could alleviate pressure on American producers and encourage EU lawmakers to engage more willingly in trade talks. Grassley highlighted existing challenges, including lengthy GMO crop approval processes and emissions strategies that affect U.S. farm exports.

In another significant move, the Commerce Department has released antidumping and countervailing duty orders concerning 2,4-D imports from China and India. The new tariffs, effective from May 27, range from 26.5% to 169.63% for Chinese imports and from 5.29% to 6.32% for Indian imports. These duties are expected to affect the costs of domestic prices, as Chinese and Indian products make up over 80% of U.S. 2,4-D imports.

Aquaculture Regulations

The Trump administration has opted not to appeal a court ruling that overturned a permit meant to expedite fish farming in U.S. ocean waters. The decision stems from a judgement that found the permit in violation of environmental regulations. This action effectively halts the federal government’s attempts to fast-track commercial aquaculture projects in public marine areas.

Corporate Developments in Agriculture

Pivot Bio, a company focused on nitrogen-producing microbes to replace synthetic fertilizers, is moving key operations from Berkeley, California, to the Midwest. The relocation aligns with its foundational goal of strengthening ties within America’s agricultural heartland while expanding its services, which currently cover nearly 15 million acres across North America.

In further corporate news, a judge has ruled that the CFO of John Deere must testify in an antitrust case regarding the company’s repair practices—an important development in ongoing litigation from farmers against the company.

Meanwhile, Confluence Genetics has purchased the assets of soybean genetics company Benson Hill after its bankruptcy filing, emphasizing a focus on ultra-high protein soybean varieties.

USDA Investment in Mexico

Finally, the USDA announced a $21 million investment in a facility in Mexico aimed at producing sterile New World screwworm flies. This partnership is viewed as essential for controlling pest populations, as North America’s only existing sterilization facility is in Panama, which might soon reach its capacity.

These developments across agriculture, trade, and regulatory measures in the U.S. signal significant changes on the horizon, affecting various stakeholders involved in farming and livestock management.

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