USDA Acts on National Security Concerns in Food Supply Chain
In a significant development reported by the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has terminated 70 foreign contract researchers. The move follows a national security review aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the U.S. food supply from foreign adversaries.
A USDA spokesperson confirmed the action, stating that the department conducted a thorough examination of all individuals authorized to work under its contracts. This review focused specifically on those affiliated with countries the U.S. government has designated as national security risks — namely China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
Foreign Researchers Removed from USDA Projects
According to USDA, the 70 researchers identified through this security audit were affiliated with “countries of concern” and will no longer be permitted to work on USDA-funded projects. The agency emphasized that the decision was driven by a need to prevent potential vulnerabilities in critical agricultural research and development initiatives.
USDA Statement on Contract Review
“USDA has completed a thorough review of individuals authorized to work on contracts within the department and identified approximately 70 individuals from countries of concern,” a USDA spokesperson stated.
This action reflects a broader trend of heightened scrutiny within federal agencies to address espionage threats, intellectual property theft, and cyber intrusions that may compromise U.S. agricultural innovation and biosecurity.
Protecting U.S. Agricultural Innovation
The USDA’s decision underscores the increasing intersection of national security and food policy. With growing concerns over biothreats and economic espionage, protecting intellectual property and research data in agriculture has become a top priority for federal agencies.
As the global landscape evolves, federal departments like the USDA continue to reassess partnerships and personnel to ensure they align with the nation’s strategic and security interests.
Reported by Dale Sandlin, Southeast AgNet.