A New Era of Health and Agriculture
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Joel Salatin Step Into the Spotlight
What happens when you combine a passionate environmental lawyer and an unconventional farmer?
No, it’s not the setup for a joke—it’s the start of a fresh, optimistic chapter for our nation’s health and agriculture policies. For any of you following along, you know I have become increasingly paranoid about the food I am eating.
It's not just a passing phase—it's a deep dive into understanding what's really going on with our food systems. I’ve switched from American flour to Italian flour after years of stomach aches and fatigue, and that alone was a game-changer. It’s wild to think about how something as basic as flour could have such an impact on my health. I’ve researched everything from the questionable additives in enriched flour to the environmental consequences of store-bought tomatoes. Spoiler: they're not great.
In fact, this obsession has led me to grow my own heirloom tomatoes at home with a hydroponic system—because if I can’t trust what’s on the shelves, I’ll just make it myself. It's clear that my love for nature and distrust of overly industrialized food systems has shaped so many areas of my life, from my writing to my hobbies. So, yes, I’m paranoid—but maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
Enter the new boys.
President Trump’s latest appointments bring Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Joel Salatin as an advisor to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Let’s take a closer look at these two champions of innovation and what they bring to the table.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Fighting for a Healthier Future
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. isn’t just a member of one of America’s most iconic families—he’s a fighter for change. As an environmental lawyer, Kennedy has spent decades challenging corporate giants that harm the planet and public health. Ever hear of someone standing up to DuPont and Monsanto?
That’s him.
He’s been a voice for clean water, safer environmental practices, and public health transparency. Whether through his work with Riverkeeper or the Natural Resources Defense Council, Kennedy has shown he’s not afraid to go against the tide if it means making the world a healthier place. He definitely has ruffled a few feathers, and much of the industry has worked to discredit him or label him as a conspiracy nut. If anyone was to listen to any of his lectures, they would know immediately that he is neither a nut nor unintelligent.
Now, as head of HHS, Kennedy plans to tackle chronic diseases and environmental health challenges head-on. His focus on reducing exposure to harmful pollutants and fostering accountability is a breath of fresh air in a system that often feels bogged down. Specifically concentrating on the banning of chemicals the EU has long ago banned.
Let’s just say, the guy has big plans—and I, for one, am here for it.
Joel Salatin: Redefining Farming, One Cow at a Time
Then there’s Joel Salatin—a man who isn’t just a farmer but a self-proclaimed “lunatic farmer” (his words, not mine!). Joel runs Polyface Farm in Virginia, where the grass is always greener because it’s managed sustainably.
His regenerative farming practices have inspired a global movement toward ethical agriculture. Think happier cows, healthier soil, and food that makes you feel good about what’s on your plate. Salatin’s methods have proven that farming doesn’t have to destroy the planet; it can heal it.
Unlike industrial agriculture, which often prioritizes efficiency over ethics, Salatin’s approach emphasizes the health of the soil, the animals, and, ultimately, the people consuming the food. His innovative methods—like rotational grazing, which mimics natural ecosystems—have turned heads worldwide and demonstrated that farming can heal the planet rather than harm it.
But Salatin isn’t just a farmer; he’s a prolific author and speaker, advocating for a food system that empowers consumers to connect directly with their food sources. He challenges the current agricultural status quo, which he argues is overly dependent on synthetic chemicals and large-scale monoculture. His books, including Folks, This Ain't Normal and You Can Farm, are part how-to manuals, part philosophical deep dives into the intersection of food, freedom, and the environment.
Joel’s influence extends beyond his own fields; he has inspired a global movement of farmers, food activists, and everyday people who want to see a return to local, ethical, and sustainable food practices. Whether you agree with all his views or not, it’s hard not to admire his unwavering commitment to his values and his ability to spark meaningful conversations about the future of food.
Appointing Salatin as an advisor to the USDA signals a huge step toward prioritizing sustainability. He’s the kind of guy who’ll walk into meetings with a smile, a plan, and probably a few ideas that will turn conventional agriculture on its head.
Optimism for Tomorrow
Kennedy and Salatin are proof that big changes can come from bold choices. No matter how you feel about the 2024 election results, this should be something ALL of Americans can be excited for.
Together, they represent a forward-thinking approach to health and agriculture that could revolutionize how we live, eat, and care for our environment.
It’s easy to feel cynical about politics these days, but appointments like these remind us that there’s always room for hope. With Kennedy tackling public health and Salatin championing sustainable farming, this feels like a recipe for positive change—and maybe even a healthier, happier America.
So, here’s to fresh perspectives and leaders who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves. Because when it comes to health and agriculture, there’s always room to grow.
