Sepehr Achard, Author at iGrow News

Viktor Kulcsar on Reinventing Saffron Cultivation with Veles Farming

Viktor Kulcsar, CEO and Co-Founder of Veles Farming, is pioneering indoor saffron production in Slovakia using vertical farming.

by Sepehr Achard
24th May 2025

Joe Swartz Reflects on Nearly 40 Years in Hydroponics & the Evolution of AmHydro

Joe Swartz, VP of AmHydro, brings nearly four decades of hands-on farming and hydroponics experience to the CEA sector.

by Sepehr Achard
24th May 2025

Alex Babich Shares Nuravine’s Path from Incubator Idea to Hydroponics Automation Leader

Alex Babich, CEO and founder of Nuravine, outlines the company’s origins in a college startup program and its evolution into a hydroponic automation company.

by Sepehr Achard
24th May 2025

MAHA Report Raises Concerns Over Agricultural Chemicals; Industry Responds with Criticism Over Scientific Basis Key Takeaways The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission Report warns of cumulative exposure to pesticides, dioxins, and microplastics in U.S. children and pregnant women. The report calls for a health-focused shift in agricultural policy, emphasizing whole foods and reduced chemical exposure. CropLife America, the Modern Ag Alliance, and the National Corn Growers Association have expressed strong opposition, citing a lack of scientific grounding. USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins outlined new food policy initiatives, including SNAP benefit reforms and updates to school meal standards. Final recommendations from the MAHA Commission are expected in August 2025. MAHA Commission Report Links Chemical Exposure to Pediatric Health Risks The “Make Our Children Healthy Again” assessment, published under the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission Report, raises alarm over the potential health effects of chemical exposure on U.S. children. The report points to agricultural chemicals, particularly pesticides, as being found in blood and urine samples at “alarming levels.” “Children are particularly vulnerable to chemicals during critical stages of development—in utero, infancy, early childhood, and puberty.” (p. 16) The assessment questions the adequacy of current risk assessments and regulatory methods in evaluating complex chemical exposures. Shift in Agricultural Policy Advocated The Commission recommends reorienting agricultural and health policy to prioritize whole foods grown by U.S. farmers, citing the need to reduce reliance on ultra-processed foods and chemical-intensive farming. “The greatest step the United States can take to reverse childhood chronic disease is to put whole foods produced by American farmers and ranchers at the center of healthcare.” (p. 21) It also draws attention to $77 million in lobbying by the chemical manufacturing industry in 2024, with 60% of lobbyists previously employed in federal roles. Strong Industry Pushback from CropLife, Modern Ag Alliance, and Corn Growers Agricultural industry associations have responded critically to the report’s claims. CropLife America (CLA) defended the regulatory rigor of pesticide approval in the U.S. and warned that limiting access to these tools could negatively impact food production and affordability. Modern Ag Alliance Executive Director Elizabeth Burns-Thompson stated: “Farmers are already facing a host of challenges—uncertainty about their access to critical crop protection products shouldn’t be added to the list.” In a separate statement, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) expressed concern over the report’s credibility and implications for widely used products like glyphosate and atrazine. “The Make America Healthy Again Report is filled with fear-based rather than science-based information about pesticides. We are deeply troubled that claims of this magnitude are being made without any scientific basis or regard for a long history of EPA expert evaluations of these products. Decades of extensive research and testing show that pesticides, including atrazine and glyphosate, can be applied safely for their intended uses. We call on the administration to respect the existing body of science on pesticides and, moving forward, to include America’s farmers in discussion as this process evolves.” USDA and HHS Introduce Policy Reforms Alongside Report Release USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, in collaboration with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced steps to align federal nutrition programs with the Commission’s recommendations. These include: A SNAP waiver in Nebraska to remove soda and energy drinks. Reformulation efforts with dairy and meat producers to eliminate artificial additives. Updates to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, focused on reducing added sugar and sodium. “We are committed to ensuring that families have access to the healthiest food produced by America’s farmers and ranchers,” said Secretary Rollins. Next Steps for the MAHA Commission The MAHA Commission is expected to release its final recommendations in August 2025. In the meantime, industry groups have requested direct engagement with policymakers to ensure that future regulations remain grounded in scientific evidence and stakeholder input.

MAHA Report Highlights Links Between Ag Chemicals & Childhood Health Concerns

The MAHA Commission Report raises concerns over the cumulative exposure of U.S. children to agricultural chemicals.

by Sepehr Achard
23rd May 2025

Brilliant Harvest Secures $500,000 Investment from SVG Ventures

Brilliant Harvest, a Calgary-based agtech company, has received a $500,000 investment from SVG Ventures through its Pioneer Fund.

by Sepehr Achard
23rd May 2025

PepsiCo has revised its climate, water, agriculture, and packaging goals as part of its ongoing PepsiCo Positive (pep+) strategy.

PepsiCo Updates Climate, Agriculture, Packaging, and Water Goals Under pep+ Strategy

PepsiCo Foods North America announces the Planting Pathways Initiative to expand agricultural opportunities.

by Sepehr Achard
23rd May 2025

Global Vertical Farming Show 2025 to Spotlight Innovation in Dubai

The Global Vertical Farming Show 2025 (GVF 2025) will be held on 10–11 September 2025 at Festival Arena, Dubai, as the Middle East’s only exclusive vertical farming event.