US: Produce and floral industry discusses MAHA and agriculture policies in Washington, DC

Farm Bill update

The US House of Representatives passed the "Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026" in late April, and the legislation is currently under consideration in the Senate. Senator John Boozman, a Republican from Arkansas and Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has announced that the committee hopes to release the text of its version of the bill by the end of June. Given that 60 votes are required for passage in the Senate, bipartisan support will be essential.

The current proposal would be in addition to the significant agricultural investments made last year through the so called "One Big Beautiful Bill Act", which included a major agricultural funding (approximately US$68 billion) and policy package. Some stakeholders view the current legislation as a de facto “Farm Bill 2”.

One important development is the increased attention being given to specialty crops, including fresh fruits and vegetables as well as flowers and for instance nuts. Historically, these sectors have received considerably less support through farm programs than major commodity crops. However, the growing influence of the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement, championed by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy, has placed greater emphasis on specialty crops and fresh produce.

Both Congress and USDA recognize the need for improved risk management tools, or a stronger “safety net”, for the specialty crop sector. USDA has expressed its willingness to develop such a program but has also indicated that the produce industry will need to provide substantially more data to enable the design of an effective risk management framework.

Federal and State efforts on updating food regulations

Federal Food Programs

The federal government is responsible for and funds a range of nutrition assistance programs, including the "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program" (SNAP), formerly known as the "Food Stamps Program", the "Women, Infants, and Children Program" (WIC), the "National School Lunch Program", as well as food programs serving federal prisons and the US military.

The Administration is currently reviewing and updating these programs to align them with the new dietary guidelines, which place greater emphasis on the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. This shift reflects a broader policy focus on improving public health through healthier eating patterns.

These developments are widely viewed as creating significant opportunities for the US produce sector, as increased federal support for healthier diets could drive greater demand for fresh fruits and vegetables across multiple food assistance and institutional feeding programs.

Defining Ultra Processed Foods

Secretary Kennedy has stated that a federal definition of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has been developed and is currently under review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The proposal is expected to be released in the coming months and is viewed as an important step in advancing the Administration’s broader nutrition and public health agenda.

At the same time, officials have acknowledged that developing a clear, scientifically sound, and practical definition of UPFs has been a complex undertaking.

Front-of-Pack Labeling

Once a federal definition of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has been finalized, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), intends to introduce a front-of-package labeling system. The proposal would use a traffic-light approach, with red, orange, and green indicators, to help consumers quickly identify healthier food choices. According to Secretary Kennedy, fresh fruits and vegetables would receive a green designation under this system.

At the same time, individual states are pursuing their own food policy initiatives. In California, for example, Assembly Bill 2244 (AB 2244) would establish a state packaging seal for foods that meet California’s definition of non-ultra-processed food. The program is modeled after the USDA Certified Organic label and is designed to provide consumers with a simple and recognizable way to identify healthier products.

As both the federal government and some states are developing their own approaches to food labeling and nutrition policy, there is growing concern within the food industry that a complex patchwork of differing requirements could emerge. Such a situation could create compliance challenges for food manufacturers and retailers operating across multiple states.

Potential Changes to GRAS Regulations

The FDA is considering reforms to the FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) system. This could require manufacturers to provide additional scientific evidence demonstrating the safety of many currently used ingredients.

This could lead to significant product reformulation and potentially remove a large number of ultra-processed foods from the market.

Raising food prices in the US, due to convergence of crises

Food inflation in the United States has exceeded 3% over the past year, driven by a combination of domestic and global factors affecting the food supply chain. Rising geopolitical tensions and disruptions to shipping routes, including concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, have increased the cost of key agricultural inputs such as fertilizer, diesel fuel, and plastics. At the same time, US trade policies, including import tariffs and ongoing trade investigations, have contributed to higher costs for a range of products and raw materials.

Weather-related challenges continue to add pressure. Forecasts of a strong El Niño event have raised concerns about extreme weather conditions that could affect agricultural production in key growing regions. Labor costs remain elevated across the food sector, while pest and animal health issues are creating additional challenges. For example, concerns regarding the outbreak in Texas of New World Screwworm have added to existing pressures in the beef sector, where cattle inventories were already constrained following years of drought.

As a result, food costs are increasing throughout the supply chain, from agricultural production to food processing, transportation, and retail. Especially the prices for beef, cocoa, and fresh produce have gone up.  

Broader "Food is Medicine" Agenda

Secretary Kennedy is advancing a broader “Food is Medicine” agenda focused on improving public health through nutrition. One priority is personalized nutrition, with the Administration exploring technologies that would link medical records to smartphone applications, allowing consumers to scan products and receive nutrition guidance tailored to their individual health needs. The initiative is based on the notion that many chronic diseases can be prevented or managed through better nutrition.

The Administration is also seeking to strengthen nutrition education for physicians and improve the quality of food served in hospitals. Efforts are underway to increase nutrition training in medical education and to encourage hospitals to adopt healthier food standards, potentially through Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement incentives.

Secretary Kennedy has also pointed to early signs of progress, citing increased consumption of whole foods and a recent decline in obesity rates, and has expressed hope that these trends will continue in the coming years.

Agricultural Reform and Regenerative Agriculture

As part of the Administration’s efforts to promote more sustainable agriculture, Secretary Kennedy has emphasized the need to help farmers transition away from chemically intensive production systems by providing viable alternatives. He has highlighted emerging technologies, such as laser-based weeding systems developed by companies like Carbon Robotics, which can reduce reliance on herbicides. Although these technologies require significant upfront investment, rising labor and input costs are making them increasingly attractive to growers.

The federal government is also supporting this transition through conservation and regenerative agriculture programs. In December 2025, USDA announced US$700 million for its Regenerative Pilot Program, administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, with a focus on improving soil health, water resources, and biodiversity. Additional funding opportunities are available through Conservation Innovation Grants, which support the development and adoption of innovative conservation practices.

Challenges to "Making America Healthy Again"

Changing consumer behavior remains a significant challenge. Less processed foods are often more expensive and require more preparation, while consumers have become accustomed to the convenience and affordability of processed foods.

Budget constraints in federal food programs further complicate efforts to shift diets. Fresh produce is more costly and highly perishable, making it difficult to expand its use within programs that already operate under tight funding limitations.

There is also a broader policy tension between public health objectives and the Administration’s general preference for deregulation. While efforts are underway to improve nutrition policy, the Administration has in other areas delayed or reduced regulatory requirements, including for certain PFAS standards in drinking water.

At the same time, large food manufacturers and industry associations are actively lobbying Congress against a federal UPF definition and proposed changes to the GRAS system, which could require reformulation of products. They also express concern about a growing patchwork of state-level food regulations and labeling requirements, arguing that differing standards would increase costs and regulatory complexity.