Despite a White House report led by US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. praising farmers as the 'backbone of America' and advocating for whole foods, the Trump administration has implemented $1 billion in cuts to programs supporting small and organic farms, causing frustration and financial hardship for farmers.
RFK Jr’s report calls farmers ‘backbone’ of US – but cuts leave workers lacking support
Donald TrumpUS farm workersFarmingRobert F Kennedy JrUnited StatesFood
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Despite a White House report led by US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. praising farmers as the 'backbone of America' and advocating for whole foods, the Trump administration has implemented $1 billion in cuts to programs supporting small and organic farms, causing frustration and financial hardship for farmers.
Trending- 1 December (previous year) - January (current year): Nicolas Lindholm applied for funding programs.
- 2 February (current year): Lindholm's funding programs were frozen.
- 3 March (current year): Trump administration cut $1 billion in programs; Ellee Igoe spoke to The New Lede.
- 4 Recent: 'Maha' report released.
- 5 2023: Corn and soybeans accounted for $131.9bn in receipts.
- Financial hardship and frustration for small and organic farmers
- Reduced access to healthy food for communities (e.g., NYC schools)
- Debate over agricultural policy and government support
- Criticism of the 'Maha' report's scientific references
What: The Trump administration, despite a 'Maha' report led by US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. praising farmers and regenerative agriculture, has cut $1 billion in programs supporting small and organic farms. These cuts include programs for tribal food banks and fresh local foods for school cafeterias, causing frustration and financial hardship for farmers like Seth Kroeck and Nicolas Lindholm.
When: Recently (for the report release); March (current year) for $1 billion in cuts; December and January (for Lindholm's funding applications); February (for Lindholm's funding being frozen); 2023 (for corn and soybeans receipts).
Where: US (general, for farmers, government, food programs), Brunswick, Maine (for Crystal Spring Farm), southern California (for Solidarity Farm), New York City (for school snack program impact).
Why: The article highlights a 'split-screen' or 'two personalities' within the government: a report praising small farms versus actual budget cuts to programs that support them, potentially driven by political motivations or differing priorities within the administration.
How: The Trump administration implemented budget cuts to various agricultural programs, impacting direct support and technical assistance for small and organic farmers. Congressional Republicans also proposed cuts to food programs like SNAP.