The public eagerly anticipates the release of the second Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission report. In the latest episode of Agri-Pulse Newsmakers, Cathy Burns, president and CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association, shared insights about the expected guidance, the pressing need for agricultural labor reform, and the potential rise in produce prices due to tariffs.

Alongside Burns, Dan Basse, president of Ag Resource Company, provided an analysis of the USDA’s projections for an exceptional corn crop and the lack of soybean purchases from China this year. Becky Rasdall Vargas, senior vice president at the International Dairy Foods Association, discussed the current trade landscape and the impending foreign shipbuilding port fees set to take effect this fall.

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Please note: This transcript has not been edited.

Lydia Johnson: Welcome to Agri-Pulse Newsmakers! I’m your host, Lydia Johnson, and today we have Cathy Burns from the International Fresh Produce Association to discuss MAHA report recommendations, agricultural labor reform, and trade.

Before diving deeper, let’s take a look at this week’s headlines:

USDA’s Record Corn Projections

The USDA reported an expected record corn harvest this fall, projecting farmers to produce 16.7 billion bushels of corn. This surpasses last year’s crop by an average corn yield of 188.8 bushels per acre, a notable increase. However, the projected season average price for corn has decreased by $0.30 to $3.90 per bushel, which may lead to significantly higher payments under commodity programs.

EPA’s New Guidelines

During the Iowa State Fair, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin urged machinery manufacturers to update their systems to prevent power losses when diesel exhaust fluid runs out. This advisory intends to enhance the reliability of older machinery already in use.

Delays in MAHA Report Release

The public will have to patiently await the release of the second MAHA Commission report. It is currently working its way through the administrative process, with an expected submission date to the President on August 12th. Stakeholders expect the recommendations to impact food industry practices and the upcoming Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Focus on Produce Consumption

Cathy Burns emphasized that the recommendations should prioritize increasing access and affordability of fruits and vegetables. She shared that the industry has submitted ten actionable recommendations to the MAHA caucus, including:

• Incorporating fruits and vegetables as a healthcare benefit.
• Extending the successful fresh fruit and vegetable program to all elementary and secondary schools.
• Promoting SNAP incentives to encourage fruit and vegetable consumption instead of restrictions.

Concerns Over Agricultural Labor

Burns elaborated on the critical state of the labor system in agriculture. Currently, labor costs represent 50% of fresh produce expenses. The lack of reform poses a dire threat to American farms and food availability. A push for H-2A reform is critical for maintaining the nation’s agricultural productivity.

The Impact of Tariffs on Produce Prices

When discussing the possibility of rising fresh produce prices due to tariff increases, Burns expressed concerns over the potential long-term effects on consumer affordability and consumption patterns. Historical trends indicate that higher tariffs could lead to price increases of up to 5% in the fresh produce sector.

The Next Steps for the Fresh Produce Industry

In conclusion, with pressing issues concerning labor reform, market accessibility, and tariff implications, the agriculture sector is at a pivotal juncture. The anticipated MAHA report and its recommendations hold significant potential to inform future dietary guidelines and reshape food industry practices.

Looking Ahead

Stay tuned as Congress reconvenes after Labor Day, and expect new developments in food, agriculture, and policy landscapes.