Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s advocacy for organic farming has sparked a realignment in the politics of food, with some groups seeing an opportunity to place organic farming at the heart of the MAGA narrative.
The Unlikely Alliance: RFK Jr.’s Organic Crusade Shakes Up Politics
Eating organic is often associated with liberal, environmentally conscious individuals, but Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s advocacy for organic farming has sparked a strange realignment in the politics of food.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental attorney, author, and activist, is the son of Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later attended Pace University School of Law.
Kennedy has written extensively on environmental issues, including a book on vaccines.
He serves as the chairman of Children's Health Defense, a non-profit organization focused on vaccine safety and autism research.
A New Era in Organic Farming
In October, Kennedy stood outside the USDA headquarters, criticizing big farms, pesticides, and feedlots as detrimental to American health. His vocal support for organic agriculture is now cemented within his Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) campaign. This shift has led some groups to see an opportunity to place organic farming at the heart of the MAGA narrative.
Organic farming is an agricultural method that avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
This approach promotes soil health, biodiversity, and efficient water usage.
Studies show that organic farming can increase crop yields by up to 30% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40%.
Additionally, organic produce tends to have higher nutrient content and lower pesticide residues compared to conventionally grown crops.
From Environmental Lawyer to HHS Secretary
As a longtime environmental lawyer, Kennedy has fought against water polluters and coal miners. His 2005 book ‘Crimes Against Nature‘ criticized ‘George W. Bush for allowing corporate interests to capture the US government and undermine environmental law.‘ Now, he is vying to join an administration headed by President Trump, who has dismissed climate change as a hoax.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an American environmental attorney, has been a prominent advocate for environmental causes since the 1980s.
He serves as the chairman of the board for Children's Health Defense, a non-profit organization focused on vaccine safety and environmental toxins.
Kennedy has written extensively on issues like mercury pollution, vaccines, and climate change.
He has also testified before Congress on these matters.
According to a 2020 survey, 64% of Americans consider climate change a major threat, highlighting the growing concern for environmental protection.
The Convergence of Organic and MAGA
RFK Jr.’s emphasis on organic farming aligns him with ‘crunchy‘ environmentalists, who are suspicious of processed food and nostalgic for a simpler way of life. However, this also puts him at odds with those concerned about the potential impact on climate goals. Organic crops tend to produce less yield per acre, leading to increased carbon emissions and land conversion.
A Collision Course
The Breakthrough Institute has published a letter opposing Kennedy’s confirmation as HHS secretary, citing the Sri Lankan government’s switch to organic farming as a warning example. The letter highlights plummeting yields, skyrocketing food prices, and protesters storming the presidential palace.
Limited Influence, but Significant Power
As HHS secretary, Kennedy will have limited influence on agricultural policy but significant power over the FDA, which enforces regulation of food in the US. He could potentially influence pesticide residue limits and restrict genetically modified crops.
A Chilling Effect on Agricultural Production
Emily Bass, associate director of federal policy, food, and agriculture at Breakthrough, warns that limiting genetically modified crops or strictly monitoring their existence in the food supply could create a chilling effect on agricultural production.
The Unlikely Alliance Faces Challenges
While Kennedy’s support for organic is bringing new followers into the fold, this emerging coalition remains fragile. Organic consumers might lean left, but Trump has overwhelming support from American farmers. The majority of farmers rely on monocrops, feedlots, and pesticides, making it unclear whether they would back tighter rules on pesticide residue or ingredient labeling.
A Tense Relationship with the USDA
The HHS secretary also oversees the National Institutes of Health, which funds and coordinates medical research in the US. Kennedy may try to direct the agency and the FDA to produce research into pesticides and food additives that supports litigation trying to change how the US farms. However, his ability to do so is likely constrained by Brooke Rollins, Trump’s pick for USDA chief.
A Shift in Conservative Politics
Conservative lawmakers are warming up to organic farming, with some expressing interest in hearing more about its benefits. Pro-organic groups are also shifting their messaging to appeal to the new administration, highlighting the potential economic benefits of growing more organic crops domestically.
However, this emerging coalition is still fragile and faces significant challenges. Kennedy’s dangerously inaccurate views on vaccines, autism, and HIV may alienate both left-wing supporters and conventional members of Trump’s cabinet, leaving his unusual organic coalition adrift once more.
