US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order increasing federal investment in regenerative agriculture, just hours after the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Bayer in a closely watched case involving the herbicide glyphosate.
The order directs the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services to expand support for regenerative farming practices, while also instructing federal agencies to examine the health impacts of glyphosate in the food supply.
The Supreme Court ruled 7–2 that Bayer cannot be held liable under state law for failing to include cancer warnings on Roundup labels, with the court determining that labelling requirements fall under the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency.
The decision disappointed supporters of the Make America Healthy Again movement, many of whom have campaigned for tighter restrictions on glyphosate following concerns over its potential health effects.
The White House said the new order would require the Environmental Protection Agency to review data relating to pre‑harvest uses of glyphosate and ensure chemical labelling meets current safety and environmental standards. It also calls for a new research framework examining cumulative exposure to glyphosate and other agricultural chemicals.
Agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins described regenerative farming as a key part of improving agricultural sustainability.
“Regenerative agriculture, which includes so many great conservation practices, allows our farmers of all stripes to manage soil health, to adjust input dependency, and to continue to be the best stewards of their most prized asset, their land.”
Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr also welcomed the initiative.
“The quality of our food begins with the way we grow it, and that’s why America’s farmers are essential partners in this mission.”
However, some campaigners argued the executive order stopped short of introducing meaningful restrictions on glyphosate.
Health campaigner Vani Hari said the order “does nothing for chemical regulation but kick the can down the road,” while Shaughnessy Naughton, president of advocacy group 314 Action, described it as “politics masquerading as science.”
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