Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, along with 11 other state agriculture leaders, has expressed support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Farm Security Action Plan. The leaders, part of the America First Agriculture Commissioner Council, signed a letter backing the plan aimed at protecting American farmland and enhancing national security.
The letter was signed by agriculture officials from Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. It emphasizes that “American farmland is a strategic asset,” crucial for food supply and national sovereignty.
Concerns have been rising over foreign interest in U.S. farmland near military sites and critical infrastructure. The plan seeks to address these issues by tightening reporting under the Agricultural Foreign Investment and Disclosure Act (AFIDA), increasing penalties for noncompliance, and strengthening USDA oversight.
The plan also evaluates USDA programs to ensure they prioritize American interests. Additional measures include securing supply chains and protecting plant and animal health from threats like invasive species.
Commissioner Shell said that the USDA’s efforts demonstrate a commitment to prioritizing American farmers’ interests. He emphasized the importance of protecting farmland from foreign influence as vital to both agricultural economy and national security.
The letter describes the USDA as a “load-bearing wall” in national security efforts. It highlights the need for transparency and collaboration with stakeholders such as farmers and tribal communities to preserve agricultural productivity.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture remains committed to policies that protect farms in Kentucky and contribute to a secure agricultural sector nationwide.
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