Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper joined USDA officials last week in Washington, D.C., for the announcement of the new National Farm Security Action Plan, a multi-point initiative aimed at safeguarding American agriculture from growing threats. Speaking with Southeast AgNet, Commissioner Harper emphasized the urgent need for such a plan, calling agriculture a matter of national security.
“A Nation That Can’t Feed Itself Can’t Sustain Itself”
Commissioner Harper has long advocated for a stronger focus on agriculture’s role in national security. “This is definitely something that I have been talking about—and a lot of us in the ag arena here in Georgia and elsewhere have been talking about—for years,” Harper said. “I have always said that agriculture is national security.”
He stressed that many Americans may not fully recognize how vital a stable agricultural sector is to the country’s overall well-being. “Our supply chains must remain stable so we can continue to provide food, fiber, and shelter. That is a critical component to our nation’s ability to thrive,” he said.
Seven-Point Security Plan Unveiled
Harper joined USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small and other officials for the rollout of the new seven-point plan. The National Farm Security Action Plan focuses on:
- Protecting U.S. agriculture from foreign adversaries
- Securing agricultural infrastructure
- Safeguarding supply chains from criminal exploitation
- Preserving farmland from strategic threats
- Ensuring the well-being of farm families
- Bolstering collaboration between federal and state agencies
- Promoting resilience across the agricultural sector
Harper praised the partnership approach, noting the plan’s strong collaboration between USDA and state agencies. “The work we do at the Department of Agriculture helps ensure our agricultural sector remains secure,” he said. “This new plan adds another layer of coordination and vigilance.”
Looking Ahead
With agricultural threats evolving rapidly—from foreign ownership of farmland to cyber threats targeting supply chains—the National Farm Security Action Plan represents a proactive step forward. Commissioner Harper reiterated, “A nation that can’t feed itself can’t sustain itself,” underscoring the broader implications for U.S. stability and prosperity.
Dale Sandlin reporting for Southeast AgNet.