CropLife America Responds to MAHA Commission, Offers 17 Policy Recommendations for August Policy Report

America’s Leading Agricultural Group Writes to HHS Secretary Kennedy, Jr: “CLA recommends that in the August Strategy, the Commission specifically state that an agricultural production system that includes pesticides is vital to growing the fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and animal protein that make up the nutritious diet that will support the health outcomes sought by the Commission.”  

Arlington, VA – CropLife America (CLA), the principal organization representing U.S. innovators, producers, and distributors of pesticide products, today issued 17 recommendations to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission for its August 12 report focused on children’s health, emphasizing the critical role of pesticides in ensuring a safe, affordable, and abundant food supply for American families and protecting public health from pest-borne diseases. 

“We share the Commission’s goal of expanding access to and maintaining the affordability of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein for America’s children. While the May 22 Initial Assessment was well intended, it includes misleading and alarmist statements about pesticides—and calls into question the safety of the very foods critical for the healthy development of children,” said Alexandra Dunn, president and CEO of CLA.  

In a recent White House roundtable, CLA was invited to provide recommendations to the MAHA Commission for its forthcoming August 12 strategy. In response, CLA submitted today’s letter outlining 17 recommendations for the Commission including: 

• To “specifically state that an agricultural production system that includes pesticides is vital to growing the fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and animal protein that make up the nutritious diet that will support the health outcomes sought by the Commission”; 

• “State that responsibly regulated pesticides are critical to control ticks, mosquitoes, rodents, and other pests that spread diseases that can affect children”; 

• “Reiterate the robust, respected process used by EPA to review pesticides before and after regulation”; 

• “[E]xplicitly state that EPA’s pesticide review process comprehensively addresses the unique exposure pathways and developmental vulnerabilities of children discussed in the Assessment”; 

• “Discuss how private-sector innovation can focus and help to ensure the meticulous application of pesticides through precision agriculture”; 

• “Include a strong call for support for the statutorily mandated [Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP)] funding so that EPA’s robust regulation of pesticides can continue and the [EPA] can also facilitate the innovations identified in the Assessment and sought by the Commission”; 

• “[R]eference the importance of supporting OPP’s Reduced Risk Program”; and 

• Recognize “the key role of states in advancing training on proper pesticide use and management, as well as the exchange of knowledge.” 

Read the full set of recommendations from CLA here.  

“Pesticides are just one component of a highly complex agricultural system—one that underpins both food security and public health,” Dunn added. “CLA’s proactive approach to the August 12 strategy forthcoming from the MAHA Commission demonstrates we stand ready to work with the Commission to help ensure its recommendations are based on sound science and incorporate a weight-of-the-evidence approach that supports American farmers and promotes children’s access to a diverse, balanced, affordable, and nutritious diet.”  

For more information about CLA and its response to the MAHA Commission Assessment, visit www.croplifeamerica.org.