This post was originally published on here
John Bode, president and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association, spoke with Oklahoma Farm Reports’ Maci Carter. Bode opened the discussion by outlining who he sees as the current “winners” and “losers” in the MAHA effort. He said the wins include recognizing “that obesity-based chronic disease is a real problem,” which helps policymakers target real solutions. However, he cautioned that the “attack on our regulatory system” has been harmful, arguing that public confidence depends on “science and risk-based policies.”
Bode explained that MAHA often goes wrong when it drifts away from what major scientific organizations agree on. He said these groups “are supportive of vaccines,” encourage drinking pasteurized milk instead of raw milk, and back science-based reviews of pesticides and other crop protection tools. These positions may not create big headlines, he noted, but they are the safest and most reliable way to improve public health while keeping costs under control.
Bode also discussed how MAHA can encourage evidence-based policymaking without unfairly targeting specific foods or ingredients. He said the key is following sound procedures, including listening to stakeholders and upholding the “radical transparency pledge” made by Secretary Kennedy. He believes transparency allows regulators to fairly weigh differing viewpoints and determine “who’s right and who’s wrong.”
Addressing broader food-system dynamics, Bode stressed the efficiency of U.S. production agriculture. “Farmers are price takers… they have to respond to the market,” he said, underscoring that agriculture will adjust appropriately if policies shaping demand remain science- and risk-based. He added that changes proposed under MAHA are currently increasing costs that are simply “being passed on to consumers,” which is why reforms must yield real, measurable benefits.
Looking ahead, Bode said MAHA has become “less populist-driven and more science and risk-based” in recent years, a shift he sees as necessary. Approaches that stray from science, he warned, lead policymakers “down rabbit holes and wrong paths” while raising food costs. He remains confident that sticking to science will prevent the villainization of commodity crops and ensure policies reflect the diverse nutritional needs across the population.
