- Over 130 U.S. farmers endorse Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for HHS Secretary, praising his focus on combating chronic diseases linked to ultra-processed foods and harmful additives.
- A diverse coalition of farmers, including organic and conventional, supports Kennedy’s plan to reform food systems and promote regenerative agriculture.
- Chronic diseases cost the U.S. $4.8 trillion annually, with Kennedy highlighting the need for stricter food safety standards and transparency.
- Farmers urge senators to prioritize public health over corporate profits, calling Kennedy’s nomination a critical step toward a healthier America.
More than 130 farmers from across the United States have signed a letter endorsing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The letter, submitted to the Senate Finance Committee ahead of Kennedy’s confirmation hearing, highlights his commitment to tackling the nation’s chronic disease epidemic by addressing the dangers of ultra-processed foods and harmful food additives. Despite this broad support, Kennedy’s nomination is facing fierce opposition from senators who critics argue are prioritizing the interests of their donors—particularly from the food and pharmaceutical industries—over the health of the American public.
The farmers’ letter, organized by Vermont attorney and farmer John Klar, represents a diverse coalition of agricultural voices, including conventional and organic farmers, ranchers, beekeepers, and even a Maine lobsterman. Signatories span the political spectrum, from conservatives to liberals, and include members of the National Black Farmers Association and the Association of American Indian Farmers. Their message is clear: Kennedy’s focus on food safety and nutrition is a critical step toward reversing the nation’s health crisis.
A unified call for healthier food systems
Although Kennedy’s nomination has sparked controversy, with critics focusing on his past statements about vaccines and abortion, the farmers’ letter shifts the conversation to what they see as the heart of the matter: the alarming rise in chronic diseases linked to the American diet. “Six in 10 Americans have at least one chronic disease, and 4 in 10 have two or more,” the letter states. “Chronic disease costs the United States approximately $4.8 trillion each year.”
Kennedy’s plan to reform the food system includes cracking down on ultra-processed foods, harmful additives, and misleading food labeling. He has also pledged to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote regenerative agriculture and reduce farmers’ reliance on chemical-intensive practices. “We need to fix our food supply, and that’s the No. 1 [priority],” Kennedy told the Senate Finance Committee during his hearing.
Despite the farmers’ overwhelming support, Kennedy’s nomination faces an uphill battle in the Senate. Critics argue that many senators opposing Kennedy have received significant campaign contributions from the food and pharmaceutical industries. For example, processed food manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies have long been major donors to key members of the Senate Finance Committee.
Kennedy’s pledge to scrutinize food additives and reduce the prevalence of ultra-processed foods poses a direct threat to these industries. During his hearing, Kennedy highlighted the contrast between the U.S. and other countries, noting that McDonald’s french fries in the U.S. contain far more ingredients than those sold in Europe.
“We don’t have good science on all these things,” he said. “That’s a deliberate choice not to study the things that are truly making us sick.”
A fight for the future of American health
The farmers’ letter underscores the urgency of Kennedy’s mission. “Americans are being sickened by factory foods that kill far more people every year from hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer than die from flu or other viruses,” the letter states.
Farmers like Amos Miller, an Amish farmer from Pennsylvania, have rallied behind Kennedy, urging senators to prioritize public health over corporate profits.
As the confirmation process continues, the question remains: Will senators heed the call of America’s farmers and prioritize the health of the nation, or will they bow to the influence of deep-pocketed donors? For the farmers who signed the letter, the answer is clear. “We must do this,” they wrote. “Our food, waterways, and soils will not clean up themselves.”
Kennedy’s nomination represents a pivotal moment in the fight for a healthier America. If confirmed, he has vowed to work hand-in-hand with farmers to rebuild the nation’s food system—one that prioritizes health, sustainability, and transparency. The farmers’ unity sends a powerful message: It’s time to put the well-being of the American people first.
Sources for this article include: