US Farm Agency Fires 70 Foreign Researchers Following National Security Review

The US farm agency has fired 70 foreign researchers following a national security review. The agency did not disclose the reasons for the terminations. The move comes amid growing concerns about the potential risks of foreign involvement in the US agricultural sector. The decision has sparked controversy among agricultural experts and advocates.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has terminated more than 70 foreign contractors and visiting scientists in a move aimed at bolstering national security within the agricultural sector. The terminations, announced by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, follow a thorough investigation conducted by the USDA. The agency did not disclose the specific reasons for the terminations but emphasized that the move aligns with broader efforts to protect American agriculture from foreign adversaries.

Secretary Rollins highlighted the longstanding exploitation of the U.S. agricultural industry by foreign nationals, citing instances of intellectual property theft, technology acquisition, and the smuggling of hazardous biological materials that could compromise the food supply chain. This latest action is part of the USDA's National Farm Security Action Plan, which was unveiled on Tuesday and focuses on seven key areas to safeguard American farmland and agricultural innovation from foreign threats.

The National Farm Security Action Plan, announced in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Homeland Security, and the US Attorney General, aims to enhance agricultural supply chain resilience, protect the nutrition safety net, defend agricultural research, and secure plant and animal health, among other objectives. The plan also involves efforts to claw back farmland already purchased by foreign entities, particularly by Chinese entities.

The decision to terminate the foreign researchers has sparked controversy among agricultural experts and advocates, who question the necessity and effectiveness of the move. Some argue that the terminations may hinder scientific collaboration and innovation, while others see it as a necessary step to mitigate potential risks.

The USDA's actions come amid growing concerns about the potential threats posed by foreign involvement in the agricultural sector. In recent years, China has significantly increased its purchases of American farmland, including 338,000 acres in 2020, according to USDA data. The Chinese Communist Party has also been accused of stealing billions in intellectual property from the U.S., with estimates ranging from $180 billion to $540 billion in 2018 alone.

The USDA's move to terminate the foreign researchers is part of a broader trend of national security measures implemented by the Trump administration. On Thursday, President Trump announced two years of regulatory relief for coal-fired plants and chemical manufacturers, citing national security concerns. This decision was criticized by environmental groups but applauded by industry associations.

In summary, the USDA's termination of 70 foreign researchers is a significant step in the agency's efforts to enhance national security within the agricultural sector. While the reasons for the terminations remain unspecified, the move underscores the growing concerns about the potential risks of foreign involvement in the U.S. agricultural industry.

References:
[1] https://www.aol.com/news/trump-admin-cans-foreign-contractors-110000167.html
[2] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/donald-trumps-environmental-rollback-provides-regulatory-relief-to-coal-fired-plants-reverses-biden-era-rules-to-national-security/articleshow/122714749.cms
[3] https://natlawreview.com/article/usda-launches-national-farm-security-action-plan