Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. believes regenerative agriculture could help farmers improve profitability while reducing their dependence on costly chemical inputs. Kennedy joined federal officials and farmers for a roundtable discussion at Black Leg Ranch in North Dakota Thursday. Kennedy said the tight operating margins make farmers hesitant to change any production practices. “Farmers are conservative because they’re operating on razor-thin margins, so they’re scared to do something innovative. They need to see it work in action.” Kennedy raised concerns about modern production practices. “We have a farm system that is addicted to chemically intensive agriculture that’s destroying the soil; it is depleting micronutrients in our food; it’s making the farmers sick.” The HHS leader emphasized that demonstrating the economic benefits of regenerative agriculture will help encourage more farmers to consider changing their production practices.
