New Farm Security Plan Targets Foreign Threats to U.S. Food Chain

The Trump Administration has introduced a significant new initiative aimed at strengthening the role of American agriculture in national security. The National Farm Security Action Plan is the latest measure in the “Make Agriculture Great Again” campaign. Announced by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the plan positions agriculture as a vital component in protecting the nation from foreign threats and ensuring the resilience of the U.S. food system.

Secretary Rollins emphasized that the United States not only feeds the world but also leads it, and she affirmed the administration’s resolve never to allow foreign adversaries to control American land, research, or livelihoods. The plan is designed to prioritize American farmers, families, and the nation’s future, reinforcing a strong and secure agricultural sector.

The urgency of this initiative was highlighted by recent incidents, such as the Department of Justice’s prosecution of foreign nationals—including a member of the Chinese Communist Party—who were accused of smuggling a dangerous fungus into the country. This case, which involved a domestic research lab, brought attention to ongoing threats like agroterrorism, foreign acquisition of farmland, theft of agricultural technology, and cyberattacks against food systems. These challenges reveal vulnerabilities in America’s agricultural supply chain and underscore the need for robust protective measures.

The National Farm Security Action Plan sets out aggressive actions in seven key areas. It addresses foreign ownership of U.S. farmland by increasing transparency and imposing tougher penalties. The plan aims to strengthen supply chain resilience by focusing on domestic investment in key manufacturing sectors and building partnerships with non-adversarial nations when necessary. It also seeks to protect nutrition programs by combating fraud and foreign exploitation in U.S. nutrition safety nets. Defending agricultural research is another priority, with measures to prevent hostile nations from accessing American agricultural innovation. The plan ensures that all USDA initiatives reflect an “America First” approach, prioritizing the country’s interests. Safeguarding plant and animal health is also emphasized, with a focus on preemptively addressing biosecurity threats. Finally, the plan treats farms, food production, and supply chains as critical national security assets that must be protected.

Collaboration is a central theme of the plan, which calls for federal agencies, state governments, and local partners to work together to fully integrate agriculture into the broader national security agenda. Leaders from across the United States, including governors, senators, and agriculture commissioners, have expressed strong support. They highlight the dangers of foreign land ownership and the necessity of keeping American agricultural assets under domestic control.

Defense Secretary Hegseth pointed out the risks associated with foreign ownership of land near military bases, while Attorney General Bondi pledged continued prosecution of agroterrorism threats. Homeland Security Secretary Noem stressed that food security is inseparable from national security, asserting that a nation unable to feed itself cannot remain independent or secure.

State officials echoed these concerns, with leaders from Arkansas, Tennessee, Nebraska, Alabama, Kansas, Iowa, Kentucky, and Oklahoma expressing gratitude for the administration’s leadership and reaffirming their commitment to protecting American farmland and food systems from foreign influence.

The National Farm Security Action Plan represents a major step in reinforcing the connection between agriculture and national security, aiming to ensure that America’s food supply, farmland, and agricultural innovation remain protected for generations to come.