By Andi Anderson
Farmers across the country are raising their voices after a new report from the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission questioned the safety of certain pesticides.
Agriculture groups, including IL Corn and the National Corn Growers Association, are urging leaders to ensure that decisions about pesticide use are based on sound science and not fear or ideology.
IL Corn expressed concern that the report overlooks the daily stewardship and expertise of America’s family farmers. They believe any decisions about pesticide practices should involve farmers directly and rely on practical, evidence-based solutions that protect public health and food production.
The National Corn Growers Association also responded strongly, stating that the MAHA report shares “fear-based rather than science-based information.”
They are particularly troubled by the dismissal of the safety of key pesticides like atrazine and glyphosate, which have been used by farmers for decades and reviewed many times by scientific and regulatory bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“Decades of extensive research and testing show that pesticides can be applied safely when used as directed,” the group said. They added that questioning these substances again ignores the existing reviews and duplicates efforts already carried out by expert agencies.
The organization also criticized the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for revisiting issues that have already been studied thoroughly. They called for respect for scientific evidence and asked for more involvement of real farmers in the conversation.
In conclusion, farmers want their voices heard and their knowledge respected. They call on policymakers to work closely with the agricultural community and use real science to support healthy farms and a safe food supply.
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Categories: Illinois, General, Government & Policy, Rural Lifestyle