By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a new initiative that places agriculture at the center of national security efforts. Announced by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the plan underscores the importance of securing the nation’s food systems, farmland, and agricultural infrastructure.
This move comes amid growing concerns about foreign ownership and influence over U.S. agricultural land and resources. The plan aims to enhance government oversight and elevate agriculture’s role in national defense and policy discussions.
Sam Kieffer, Vice President of Public Policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation, praised the effort. He noted that the plan covers a wide range of critical issues and recognizes the link between national stability and a secure, sustainable agricultural system.
As part of the initiative, Secretary Rollins now holds a seat on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). This committee evaluates the national security risks of foreign investments, and Kieffer said it makes sense for the USDA to have a direct voice in such decisions.
Kieffer also emphasized that while foreign ownership of U.S. farmland is a concern, it’s important to keep the issue in context. Only about three percent of all privately held agricultural land in the U.S. is owned by foreign interests, according to the most recent data.
This initiative is part of a larger effort by the USDA to support rural communities, strengthen food security, and ensure American agriculture remains in the hands of U.S. producers. It also signals a greater commitment to protecting the nation’s farming industry as a key element of homeland security.
By reinforcing protections and expanding USDA’s role in national security matters, this plan is expected to safeguard U.S. agriculture from potential threats while promoting long-term sustainability.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Iowa, Government & Policy