Climate Change, RFK Jr., Agriculture and Food Security

Two stories that appeared in the media about agricultural practices include a survey in Canada that showed farmers and ranchers put climate change concerns at the top of their list of issues over the next ten years.

The second story is about “regenerative agriculture” which Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants to see become the standard after claiming that current agricultural practices at American farms and ranches are making Americans sick.

Let’s begin.

Canadian Farmers and Ranchers Have Climate Concerns

A new survey commissioned by Farmers for Climate Solutions, states that climate change is at the top of the challenges Canadian farmers and ranchers are facing causing reduced yields and profits. The poll involved 858 farmers and ranchers who were asked an open-ended question regarding concerns they face now and ten years into the future. The results put climate change at the top of responses. It was identified by 18% of responders followed by seed, fertilizer and other expenses at 17%.

• 79% expressed concerns that climate change would reduce farm income
• 76% stated concerns that climate change would reduce crop yields.
• 76% said that severe weather has impacted their operations in the last 5 years.
• 34% said they had been significantly impacted by extreme weather events.

Brent Preston, President of Farmers for Climate Solutions stated, “Farmers and ranchers across Canada are living the reality of severe weather and understand that climate change puts our livelihoods at risk. The results of this poll provide valuable insights into the challenges we’re facing and show that farmers are ready to adapt.”

The survey was conducted between August 8 and September 4, 2024.

RFK Jr. And Regenerative Agriculture

With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. the pick to head up the Department of Health and Human Services in the new Trump administration, his often bizarre statements about vaccines, road kill, and supplements have become common conversation. One thing Kennedy has touted is regenerative agriculture stating that putting it into practice would mean healthier food choices for Americans.

What is regenerative agriculture?

Some agronomists describe it as a holistic approach to farming and ranching with a focus on soil restoration and enhanced biodiversity. Regenerative agriculture involves intercropping, planting multiple crops together, and agroforestry. It sequesters carbon in the soil to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It enhances natural habitats within the farm and ranch environments paying attention to water resources and enhancing livestock management techniques.

The Syngenta Group, an agrochemical company, describes regenerative agriculture principles and practices on its website. It has produced the infographic seen below.

Kennedy’s claim that conventional agricultural practices are making consumers sick is supported by a number of studies particularly related to the overuse of pesticides, chemicals and antibiotics in conventional farming and ranching.

An article appearing in Frontiers in Nutrition in April 2024 looks at the toxins in pesticide residue that can be left on food and can contaminate freshwater sources noting the potential threat to human health. It associates pesticide exposure from overuse with endocrine, neurological, reproductive and immune system challenges.

An article in Public Health Nutrition, published in June 2019 described how pesticides, antibiotics and hormone usage in U.S. dairy farms were leaving residue in milk produced by conventional methods often exceeding federal safety limits.

Common livestock farming practices today involve the use of antibiotics and hormones to boost growth and speed animals to market. The use of antibiotics is common with chickens and estrogen and testosterone are used with cattle. This accelerates weight gain and growth. The problem is a lack of regulatory oversight that can lead to animals entering supply chains with unacceptable residual levels of these substances that can affect consumers. Even organic farming and ranching practices do not guarantee that their produce is chemical-free.

Kennedy isn’t the only one making the claim that conventional agricultural practices are making people sick. The outgoing Biden administration through the Inflation Reduction Act has made grant money available to farms and ranches employing climate-smart, regenerative agricultural practices with less use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers and antibiotics. California has targeted millions of hectares with a goal by 2045 to implement healthy soil practices and enhance biodiversity on farms and ranches in the state.

At the recent COP29 conference on climate change, agricultural climate solutions were on the agenda looking at regenerative practices to increase the microbial content of soils to make them more fertile and resilient to drought, salinity, insects and other stressors. The conference promoted regenerative techniques to improve soil health, sequester carbon, recharge fresh groundwater sources, and create greater biodiversity in farming and ranching.

Whether Kennedy gets through the Senate approval process or not, when it comes to the agricultural status quo he has a point with many agricultural scientists agreeing with him. On these other issues like vaccines and fluoridation Kennedy’s views aren’t validated by science.