USDA takes bold action to secure America's agricultural future

On July 8, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled the National Farm Security Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy aimed at fortifying the security of American agriculture. The plan comes in response to rising threats posed by foreign nationals, particularly those owning significant portions of American farmland, which could jeopardize national security and hinder agricultural prosperity. The USDA's Secretary Brooke Rollins highlighted key action items under this plan, emphasizing the importance of protecting American farmland, enhancing the resilience of the agricultural supply chain, rooting out fraud and foreign adversaries threatening nutrition safety programs, and improving research security. The plan's first priority focuses on safeguarding American farmland, particularly from foreign ownership, which has increased concerns about national security. Secretary Rollins noted that over 265,000 acres in the U.S. are owned by Chinese nationals, some of which are located near critical military bases. This scenario raises alarm over the potential risks linked to foreign control of essential agricultural resources. Furthermore, the USDA aims to enhance the agricultural supply chain's resilience to reduce dependence on foreign imports, including agricultural inputs and transport systems, thus ensuring more robust domestic production. One significant aspect of the action plan is the commitment to tackle fraud within federal nutrition programs, which have been exploited by transnational criminal organizations diverting taxpayer dollars meant for needy Americans. Rollins explained that USDA is actively reviewing and enhancing the integrity of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to prevent incidents of fraud and abuse that compromise the welfare system. Strengthening protections against these vulnerabilities is crucial to restoring public confidence in feeding programs while ensuring that they serve their intended purpose. Additionally, the USDA plans to thwart foreign threats by bolstering research security, restricting foreign collaborations in agricultural research and development, and prioritizing investments in American innovation. The agency's renewed focus on protecting the United States' agricultural intellectual property is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge on the global stage. In their bid to fully integrate agriculture into national security planning, the USDA aims to create a holistic approach that involves collaboration with various government agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, to respond to emerging threats to food security effectively.