President Donald Trump’s administration is aiming to prohibit Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland, with Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins stating this initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance agricultural safety.
During a press event outside the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., Rollins was joined by various Cabinet officials, Republican governors, and Congress members to unveil a new strategy targeting foreign ownership in the agricultural sector.
Rollins noted that the government plans to terminate land leases already held by Chinese entities. The administration is committed to implementing swift legislative actions and enforcement strategies to prevent Chinese nationals and other foreign adversaries from acquiring American farmland.
In collaboration with local and state authorities, the department intends to leverage its presidential powers to reclaim land previously acquired by Chinese and other foreign entities.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegses emphasized that safeguarding the nation’s food supply is a crucial national security matter, equally as important as energy and water resources.
Details of the Plan
The USDA has outlined a seven-part framework called the National Farm Security Action Plan, asserting that “farm security is national security.” The preamble acknowledges that American farmers lead the global agricultural market.
“This dominance must be fiercely protected,” the document states, stressing the need for a continual reassessment of agricultural security in the context of national priorities.
To fortify U.S. farmland, the USDA will collaborate with the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security. An online tool will be introduced to monitor foreign investments and assist farmers in reporting potential unknown foreign ownership.
The plan seeks to identify vulnerabilities within the agricultural supply chain and ensure that food resources and nutrition programs are not exploited to fund terrorism or criminal activity, while also addressing fraud. Strengthening biosecurity measures is also part of this initiative.
Moreover, the plan calls on foreign governments to avoid accessing USDA research grants and various sector funding opportunities.
The USDA will continue to partner with national security agencies and law enforcement to protect vital agricultural infrastructure.
Rollins mentioned during the event that he would be addressing the criticisms aimed at the U.S. Foreign Investment Committee, particularly voicing concerns about the lack of representation from the Agriculture Secretary.
Concerns About Farmland Safety
While speaking at the event, not much specific information was provided, but speakers praised the administration for emphasizing the urgency around foreign investment in farmland.
“Our nation needs to be self-sufficient in food production and energy,” remarked Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, expressing confidence in the current president’s willingness to bolster U.S. sovereignty over agriculture.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee reinforced that U.S. farmland represents not just soil but also national security, the economy’s future, and the legacy of future generations, noting it is currently jeopardized.
Speakers pointed to the perceived dangers of Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland. “We’re making it clear that China needs to exit American agriculture,” stated Sen. Roger Marshall.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Piren mentioned his state’s recent prohibition of Chinese companies in communication infrastructure, accusing them of attempting to buy up U.S. land. He recounts a past encounter with a Chinese-based firm, stating he advised them to leave Nebraska.
Comments on China and Alabama
Senator Tuberville, who is campaigning for governor of Alabama, claimed that Chinese entities manage around 2.2 million acres of farmland in the state. However, USDA records indicate no such ownership in Alabama.
“China poses a real threat,” he said, adding that they exert significant control over various sectors while American politicians should prioritize staying ahead rather than remaining passive.
Tuberville’s spokesperson later clarified that his remarks encompassed all foreign adversaries, reiterating his stance that U.S. farmland should primarily belong to Americans.
Recent USDA reports indicate that Chinese-linked investors own about 276,000 acres of farmland nationwide which represents a very small portion—approximately 0.02%—of total U.S. agricultural land according to the U.S. Farm Bureau.
Support from GOP Governors
Alongside Lee, Huckabee Sanders, and Piren, Republican governors from Indiana, Idaho, Iowa, South Dakota, and Oklahoma also expressed their support for the National Farm Security Action Plan during the event.
They emphasized their commitment to working with President Trump and supporting this initiative as a necessary response to foreign threats to U.S. sovereignty in agriculture.
