Written by Hannah Peterson.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduced its National Farm Security Action Plan on Tuesday, a strategic initiative to safeguard American agriculture from foreign threats, with a particular focus on the Chinese Communist Party’s influence. Spearheaded by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the plan unites Trump administration officials, Republican governors, and lawmakers in a concerted effort to protect farmland, food supply chains, and agricultural research. This initiative responds to growing concerns about foreign entities, particularly China, acquiring U.S. agricultural assets and engaging in activities that could undermine national security.
Rollins emphasized the vital role of American agriculture, stating that it sustains both the material and spiritual strength of the nation. She highlighted the urgency of protecting farmers from criminals, political adversaries, and hostile regimes. The plan’s announcement coincides with Rollins’ appointment to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a move championed by Senator Tommy Tuberville to ensure agricultural interests are represented in decisions about foreign investments. This development underscores the administration’s commitment to shielding a critical sector from external manipulation.
The stakes are high for American farmers, who face not only economic pressures but also strategic threats from foreign actors. The USDA’s initiative aims to fortify the agricultural sector against risks such as land grabs and bioterrorism, which could disrupt food security. By prioritizing American control over its agricultural resources, the plan seeks to maintain national sovereignty in an era of increasing global competition.
Foreign Threats to American Agriculture
Chinese acquisition of U.S. agricultural assets, such as Smithfield Foods and Syngenta, has raised alarms about the potential weaponization of food supply chains. Counselor to the President Peter Navarro described these acquisitions as part of a broader strategy by the Chinese Communist Party to treat the U.S. as a colony. He pointed to China’s control over critical agricultural components, such as seeds, as a significant risk to global food security. This perspective highlights the strategic importance of maintaining domestic control over agricultural resources.
Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed recent cases of Chinese nationals attempting to smuggle potential agroterrorism weapons into the U.S., including concealed biological materials. These incidents, coupled with over 100 FBI investigations into biosmuggling, underscore the tangible threats facing the agricultural sector. Bondi’s commitment to prosecuting offenders signals a robust legal response to these activities, aimed at deterring future attempts to compromise U.S. agriculture.
Senator Roger Marshall raised concerns about bioterrorism, warning of scenarios where engineered viruses could devastate global livestock. He cited the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas, as a critical asset in countering such threats. The facility’s research into biosecurity and agro-defense is seen as a cornerstone of efforts to protect American agriculture from catastrophic disruptions, particularly those orchestrated by adversarial nations.
State-Level Actions and National Security
Several states have taken proactive measures to counter foreign influence in agriculture. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders noted that Arkansas was the first state to expel a Chinese-owned company from its farmland and enact laws prohibiting foreign land purchases near military installations. Similarly, Governor Jim Pillen detailed Nebraska’s efforts, including legislation to remove Chinese equipment from telecommunications systems and block foreign adversaries from purchasing land. These state-level actions reflect a growing recognition of agriculture as a national security priority.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the strategic importance of monitoring land ownership near military bases, arguing that foreign control could pose significant risks. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, drawing on her farming background, underscored that a nation unable to feed itself is inherently vulnerable. Her assertion that food policy is national security policy resonates with the broader goals of the USDA’s plan, which seeks to ensure self-sufficiency in food production.
The scale of foreign land ownership is striking, with Senator Tuberville noting that adversaries control over two million acres of farmland in Alabama alone. This statistic highlights the urgency of the USDA’s initiative, as foreign entities continue to expand their influence over U.S. agricultural assets. The combination of state and federal efforts aims to reverse this trend, prioritizing American ownership and control.
Our Take
The USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan represents a critical step toward safeguarding American agriculture from foreign threats, particularly those posed by the Chinese Communist Party. By addressing land grabs, bioterrorism, and intellectual property theft, the initiative acknowledges the strategic importance of agriculture in national security. The involvement of high-ranking officials and state leaders underscores the urgency of protecting food supply chains from external manipulation, ensuring that the U.S. remains self-sufficient and resilient.
However, the plan’s success will depend on its ability to bridge partisan divides and engage all states in a unified effort. While red states have led the charge in banning foreign-owned farmland, broader cooperation is essential to address the scale of the threat. The focus on bioterrorism and biosecurity, exemplified by facilities like the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, highlights the need for proactive measures to prevent catastrophic disruptions. As the U.S. navigates these challenges, prioritizing agricultural sovereignty will be crucial to maintaining national strength and security.
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Author: Constitutional Nobody
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