Rep. Angie Craig Criticizes RFK Jr.'s 'Disregard for Science' on Food and Agriculture Policy

Concerns Over Administration's Impact on Food System Trust

• ⚠️ Rep. Angie Craig expresses concern over comments and actions from the current administration that undermine confidence in the regulatory system, attack farm innovation, and hinder family farmers.
• 🎯 The Maha Commission report is cited as an example, being riddled with errors and referencing non-existent studies, which erodes public trust in food and attacks farmers.

Criticism of RFK Jr. and Regulatory Systems

• 🔬 Secretary Kennedy's disregard for science and perversion of facts and data are described as dangerous, eroding confidence in public health and regulatory systems.
• 🚫 This behavior also discourages talented scientists from joining the civil service.

EPA Actions and Impact on Innovation

• 📉 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is moving backward with the haphazard firing of technical staff and scientists responsible for assessing new chemicals and technologies.
• 💼 This uncertainty is detrimental to business, stalling innovative products in the pipeline due to extended review times.

Importance of Scientific Research and Investment

• 🚀 American scientists have made advancements in crop resilience, production yields, and resource reduction through fundamental science research.
• 🌎 Defunding this research and firing civil servants will put the U.S. behind countries like Brazil, India, and China, which are increasing their research programs.
• 💰 Craig urges colleagues to invest in research programs and scientists rather than defunding them, emphasizing their critical role in the future of farm country.

Informing Pesticide Registration Improvement Act Reauthorization

• 💡 The hearing, with its panel of witnesses experienced in crop protection tools and technology, aims to inform improvements and changes for the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA) reauthorization.