USDA Boosts Farm Security with New Rules

New actions protect farmland ownership and federal farm program benefits nationwide

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced new national farm security actions aimed at protecting American farmland, strengthening domestic supply chains, and ensuring federal programs put American farmers and ranchers first. 

These actions are part of USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan. The plan focuses on improving transparency in farmland ownership and limiting foreign influence in agriculture-related programs. The goal is to protect food systems, rural communities, and national security. 

One major step is the modernization of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act, also known as AFIDA. This law requires foreign investors to report any ownership or transfer of U.S. agricultural land. USDA is now opening public comments to improve reporting rules, data verification, and monitoring. These updates will help provide clearer tracking of land purchases linked to foreign adversaries. 

“Strengthening national security starts with knowing who owns our farmland and where federal dollars are flowing,” said Secretary Rollins. “These actions close long-standing gaps in oversight and enforcement by improving transparency around foreign land ownership and ensuring USDA programs support American farmers and manufacturers, while prioritizing domestic supply chains – not foreign adversaries.” 

Currently, foreign-linked entities control at least 277,000 acres of U.S. farmland. USDA officials say that better reporting and stronger oversight are needed to protect food supply chains and reduce security risks. 

USDA is also updating its BioPreferred Program. This program promotes the use of American-made biobased products in federal purchasing. Moving forward, products and companies from foreign adversary countries will no longer be eligible to participate. Current program participants must meet new audit standards or risk being removed. 

In addition, USDA’s guaranteed lending programs will also prioritize American producers and manufacturers. These changes support domestic manufacturing, job creation, and market opportunities for crops grown in the United States. 

Together, these actions strengthen food security, improve oversight of farmland ownership, and ensure federal agriculture programs focus on American interests. USDA says these measures will help protect farmers, ranchers, and rural communities while building a safer and stronger food system. 

Photo Credit: gettyimages-sizsus