New agreement links agriculture and national security
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of War to strengthen national farm security efforts. The agreement supports the continued implementation of the National Farm Security Action Plan, which was launched in 2025 to treat agriculture as a key part of national security.
Since the plan began, USDA has taken several actions to protect farmland, supply chains, and agricultural research. These steps include updating reporting rules under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act, developing an online system for filing foreign land ownership reports, and creating a public portal to report possible violations.
USDA has also worked with federal agencies to classify certain fertilizer inputs as critical minerals and has strengthened research safeguards by ending contracts linked to countries of concern. In addition, the department standardized grant requirements and blocked taxpayer funding for certain foreign-made solar panels and certifications tied to sensitive foreign entities.
The new agreement creates a formal framework for collaboration between USDA and national security agencies. The first initiative under the agreement launches a partnership between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and USDA’s Office of the Chief Scientist. The partnership will focus on identifying security risks in agriculture, developing new technologies, and exchanging personnel to improve innovation and resilience.
“President Trump is putting America First and that means ensuring our government is working as one to defend the safety, security, and resilience of our food supply and the land that sustains it,” said Secretary L. Brooke Rollins.
“Over the past year, USDA has delivered real results under the National Farm Security Action Plan. Today's MOU with Secretary Hegseth marks the next phase of that work, pairing USDA’s agricultural expertise with the Department of War’s innovation and security capabilities to confront threats head-on. I'm grateful for Secretary Hegseth’s leadership and partnership in supporting America’s farmers and ranchers,” said Rollins.
USDA also announced the creation of a new Office of Research, Economic, and Science Security. This office will coordinate research protection efforts across the department and strengthen safeguards for agricultural science.
“In the face of growing threats from adversaries who seek to undermine our food supply and agricultural independence, the Department of War stands ready to defend America's farms as vital national security assets. This Memorandum of Understanding with USDA, particularly through partnership with DARPA, will drive innovative solutions to protect our farmers and ranchers from cyber attacks, foreign intrusions, and biosecurity risks,” said Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
“Together, under the leadership of President Trump and collaboration with Secretary Rollins, we're ensuring that American agriculture remains resilient, productive, and a cornerstone of our nation's strength,” said Hegseth.
Officials stated that these efforts are designed to protect American farms from cyber threats, foreign influence, and biosecurity risks. By combining agricultural expertise with national security capabilities, the government aims to ensure that America’s food supply remains safe, secure, and productive.
Together, these actions highlight the growing role of agriculture in national security strategy and reinforce the commitment to protecting farmers, farmland, and the food system.
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