July 10, 2025
Politics

Farm Security Integral to National Defense, Experts Warn

  • July 10, 2025
  • 0
Farm Security Integral to National Defense, Experts Warn

The vulnerability of the United States’ food supply chain was starkly highlighted in June when foreign nationals, including a member of the Chinese Communist Party, were charged with smuggling a harmful fungus into the country. This fungus is considered by experts as a potential agroterrorism weapon, causing billions in losses globally each year. The U.S. Department of Justice revealed that these individuals intended to use a University of Michigan laboratory to advance their scheme involving this dangerous biological pathogen, which poses significant threats to both crops and human health. This incident underscores the broader strategy employed by global competitors to infiltrate American research institutions, gain control over U.S. farmland, and engage in cyberattacks on agribusinesses. Such actions threaten the integrity of American agriculture, which is not only vital for feeding families but also crucial for national security. In response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in collaboration with the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security, unveiled the National Farm Security Action Plan on July 8, 2025. The plan aims to integrate agriculture into national security planning by working with state and federal entities. It mandates transparency in foreign ownership of farmland and seeks to block further acquisitions by countries deemed a threat. Additionally, it enhances enforcement against fraud in federal nutrition programs exploited by international criminal organizations. A key component of the plan is protecting agricultural research and intellectual property from foreign influence. By preventing collaboration with adversarial nations and prioritizing American innovation, the USDA seeks to safeguard the nation’s agricultural resources. The plan also calls for legislative action at the state level to complement federal efforts and urges Congress to recognize agriculture’s role in national defense. This comprehensive strategy reflects a commitment to securing American farms from global threats. As demonstrated by recent events at the University of Michigan, maintaining a robust and secure food system is essential for the well-being of all Americans.

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