Cotton Industry Challenges Health Report’s Claims
The Presidential Commission to Make America Healthy Again, or MAHA, has released a new report identifying major contributors to childhood chronic disease. Issued just 98 days after President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the commission, the report cites poor diet, environmental toxins, limited physical activity, chronic stress, and overmedicalization.
In response, the National Cotton Council of America voiced disappointment, defending the safety and importance of crop protection tools. “Cotton producers have made significant strides in conscientious pesticide usage,” said NCC Chairman and cotton producer Patrick Johnson. “Crop protection tools such as glyphosate are vital for the continued sustainability of family farms here in the U.S.”
On the report’s mention of microplastics, Johnson added, “Cotton growers produce a natural fiber that is a healthy alternative to synthetic microfibers such as polyester. It is unfortunate that the Commission focused more on products that are known to be safe rather than on hazards such as microplastics, shed from synthetic clothing, that our children breathe.”
He urged that sound science guide future policy—and that cotton producers have a seat at the table.
