Alert

The federal government has rolled out a major reset of US nutrition policy through the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This guidance informs consumer messaging, school meals, SNAP, and other federal food programs—and it can influence long-term market demand.

The 10-page document opens with the message “eat real food” and emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods and de-emphasizes added sugars and ultra-processed products.

What This Means for Farmers

While these guidelines don’t change farm policy or purchasing overnight, they can affect pricing, production decisions, and long-term planning.

1. Protein Is a Priority

The new guidelines emphasize protein at every meal. This could increase demand for animal sources such as livestock, seafood, eggs, dairy, and crops such as beans, peas, lentils, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy.

This could also support stronger demand for feed inputs tied to animal agriculture, and influence expansion or reinvestment decisions for protein-focused operations.

2. Full-Fat Dairy Gets Federal Support

The new guidance explicitly supports full-fat dairy as part of a healthy diet. This could affect milk utilization and product mix. It could also influence school meals, and federal programs often follow these guidelines over time.

Long-term pricing and contract structures could shift as standards update.

3. Whole Vegetables and Fruits Take Center Stage

Fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, and minimally processed foods are prioritized. This could lead to demand growth for produce and whole-grain crops.

The guidelines recommend against refined ingredients and heavily processed inputs.

4. Added Sugars and Highly Processed Foods Discouraged

The document includes strong language recommending against added sugars and ultra-processed foods.

This could affect the demand for sweeteners and refined carbohydrate inputs, and indirectly affect crop mix decisions tied to processed food supply chains.

What Farmers Should Be Thinking About Now

From a business and financial standpoint.

Action Items

• Watch market signals and pricing trends tied to protein, dairy, and fresh foods.
• Revisit long-term plans including capital investments, herd expansion, crop rotation, or diversification.
• Plan for volatility—nutrition guidance can accelerate changes in consumer and institutional demand.
• Talk with advisors about shifts that can affect revenue forecasts, tax planning, and cash flow timing.

Why Your Accountant Is Paying Attention

Guideline Impacts

• Federal nutrition program purchasing
• Future incentive or grant programs
• Commodity demand cycles that impact income variability

We’re Here to Help

For help with projections and strategy, contact your firm professional.

Additional Resources

• Agribusiness Practice
• Manufacturing & Consumer Products Practice