USDA Unveils National Farm Security Action Plan
Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins has announced that the USDA is rolling out a National Farm Security Action Plan aimed at “promoting the prosperity of agriculture” and “protecting its foundations,” while also strengthening the domestic food supply in the United States.
During a virtual event on Monday, Rollins outlined that the plan comprises “seven important action items.” A significant focus of one item is on “securing and protecting American farmland,” while another key point seeks to address “fraud, abuse, and foreign threats” that could undermine the US nutrition safety net and food stamp program.
“First, we secure and protect American farmland. We know that foreign ownership of land poses potential risks to national security and future economic stability,” he stated.
“Second, we aim to enhance the resilience of our agricultural supply chain. Currently, American agriculture faces disadvantages on a global scale. The international transport of our agricultural products relies on components sourced from other countries, including potential adversaries. We’re working on solutions to mitigate any risks and security vulnerabilities within the critical food infrastructure,” Rollins elaborated.
Rollins emphasized that the third action item focuses on eliminating fraud, abuse, and foreign threats to the US nutrition safety net, noting that the USDA’s most significant program actually revolves around the SNAP, or food stamp program. “Law enforcement has noted alarming trends involving cross-border criminal organizations that exploit the vulnerable and taxpayers. With issues like device cloning and card skimming, USDA is actively working to secure funds across its 16 nutrition programs,” he explained.
He further indicated that the USDA is also enhancing research security to safeguard US agricultural research companies against foreign influence, intellectual property theft, and the risk of agroterrorism.
To combat these risks, the USDA has established a new process to ensure that all federally funded research directly benefits American farmers, ranchers, producers, and foresters, added Rollins.
The USDA aims to align with President Donald Trump’s initial agenda by reviewing all of its policies as well. Rollins mentioned, “The USDA has a history of supporting foreign nations with research funding, sometimes benefiting adversaries that seek to develop their own capabilities.”
He noted that recent USDA policies have allowed foreign firms to enter the bioprevention program catalogue, which involves federal purchasing and labeling initiatives. Concerned nations include China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia.
Furthermore, Rollins announced that the USDA will “revoke bioprohm certification” for entities from these countries and will “prioritize” funding for US-made technology and research.
Rollins continued by stressing the importance of “protecting the health of plants and animals,” which he noted has gained attention recently. “Deliberate threats to agricultural biosecurity, including invasive species and foreign diseases, pose significant risks to American agriculture’s resilience,” he warned, mentioning collaboration with DARPA and other federal research agencies to tackle these challenges.
Lastly, Rollins pointed out that a vital focus will be on “maintaining critical infrastructure” since attacks on agricultural enterprises could disrupt operations and lead to severe losses.
Reports indicated that earlier this year, Rollins mentioned that the Trump administration was exploring potential federal measures to prevent China from acquiring American farmland.
