Following U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins’ announcement of the National Farm Security Action Plan, elected leaders and industry stakeholders praised the policy agenda.
Agriculture and Government Leaders Applaud USDA’s Plan to Protect National Security by Defending Farm Security:
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth: “Foreign ownership of land near strategic bases and US military installations poses a serious threat to our national security. The Farm Security Plan will put America First and keep our bases across the homeland secure.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi: “Farm security is national security. The Department of Justice will continue working to prosecute those who threaten American agriculture, investigate cases of potential agro-terrorism, and protect America’s farmers from illegal threats at home and abroad.”
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem: “Food policy is national security policy. A country who cannot feed itself, cannot take care of itself, and cannot provide for itself is not secure. We have to be able to feed ourselves to make sure that no other country ever controls us…We will never let any other country control our food supply or control our people because we will always be the great United States of America.”
Senator Roger Marshall, M.D.: “Farm security is national security, and it is imperative that we start recognizing this before it is too late. President Trump understands this, and I applaud the work his administration has done to partner with Kansas agriculture and the biodefense industry to ensure that plant and animal diseases do not compromise our food supply.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville: “Foreign adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are trying to get their foot in the door by buying up our farmland. In my state of Alabama, we have the fourth-highest amount of foreign-owned land in the U.S. with 2.2 million acres. Not only is this dangerous for our farmers, but it’s disastrous for our national security. Thankfully, the Trump administration is taking action to secure our farmland and keep us safe from bad foreign actors.”
Senator Tom Cotton: “I’ve long said that anyone affiliated with the CCP should not own even one inch of American land. Thank you Secretary Rollins and President Trump for this common-sense policy that will protect us from the threat of communist China and make America safer.”
Senator Todd Young: “Glad to see the Trump Administration taking action against this national security threat. Nearly two-thirds of Indiana is farmland and our state has led in restricting China’s efforts to buy our land.”
Senator Cynthia Lummis: “The CCP has no place owning American farmland, and I have been a strong advocate that farm security is national security. I’m glad to see POTUS, Secretary Rollins, Secretary Hegseth, Attorney General Bondi, and Secretary Noem fighting to secure our homeland against foreign threats.”
Senator Katie Boyd Britt: “One acre of American farmland owned by the Chinese Communist Party is one acre too many. Secretary Rollins and POTUS’s effort today prioritizes U.S. economic and food security. Proud to support this National Farm Security Action Plan.”
Senator Ashley Moody: “The days of Communist China buying land on U.S. soil to spy and control our food supply is OVER. Grateful to POTUS and Secretary Rollins for taking a stand and protecting our national security. Making Farmland American Again!”
House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson: “President Trump is using every tool at his disposal to keep our nation safe, and that includes securing our food supply. This historic USDA effort reflects his clear understanding that food security is national security, and under his leadership, America’s farmers and families are safer and stronger.”
Representative Dan Newhouse: “Over the past few years, we have learned about the significant threat the Chinese Communist Party poses to our supply chains and economy here at home. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, I have worked to ensure the CCP does not take roots on American farmland and around sensitive national security sites. Today, I’m encouraged to see the Secretary of Agriculture finally take a seat at the CFIUS table, and I look forward to working with Secretary Brooke Rollins to keep the CCP out of our backyards and away from American farms.”
Representative David Kustoff: “The National Farm Security Action Plan will help protect U.S. farmland from foreign ownership, secure agricultural research from foreign interests, and address foreign control over U.S. supply chain. This is especially important for West Tennessee, where farming is our way of life. Bottom line: USDA is putting American farmers first. Thank you Secretary Rollins!”
Representative Beth Van Duyne: “Farm Security is National Security. I am thankful for Secretary Rollins’ leadership in this important initiative. The USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan is truly putting American farmers, families, and food security first.”
Representative Julia Letlow: “Secretary Rollins said it best – farm security is national security! The Trump Administration is working to protect our food supply and safeguard American Agriculture from foreign threats.”
House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party: “Secretary Rollins is right. The CCP isn’t buying land next to our military bases and research sites by mistake. We can’t allow the Chinese Communist Party to turn our own backyard into a battlefield.”
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee: “Tennesseans know that our farmland is our national security, our economic future, and our children’s heritage. The National Farm Security Action Plan puts America First by defending our farmland from foreign adversaries and protecting our food supply, and I thank the Trump Administration for its bold leadership.”
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen: “Farm Security = Food Security = National Security. Thanks to these actions taken by President Trump and his team, we can further protect the backbone of Nebraska’s economy from foreign adversaries like China. Homeland security starts at home, and we will continue to do our part in Nebraska.”
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders: “Arkansas led the nation in kicking Communist China off our farmland and out of our state because we understand that farm security is national security. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Rollins for putting America first with this bold USDA Action Plan to protect our food supply, our economy, and our freedom.”
Indiana Governor Mike Braun: “America’s farms shouldn’t be owned by foreign adversaries. I’m proud to have signed on in support of POTUS’ National Farm Security Action Plan. This is a bold plan to kick the CCP out of the heartland and to put American farmers, ranchers, and families FIRST. We won’t let foreign adversaries weaken us from within.”
Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward: “Under Governor Sanders’ leadership, Arkansas was the first state in the country to kick China off our farmland. Thank you President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and Secretary Hegseth for what you are doing to stop our adversaries from destroying our country and for protecting the way of life that provides the food, fiber, fuel, and shelter that we all depend on every single day.”
Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler J. Harper: “Agriculture is national security, period. A nation that cannot feed itself, cannot defend itself, and I’m excited to work together with Sec. Rollins and Sec. Hegseth to champion policies that will strengthen US farm security and protect our nation’s farmers, farmland, and food supply.”
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig: “I am grateful for Secretary Brooke Rollins’ bold leadership in advancing USDA’s Ag Security Agenda, which prioritizes safeguarding American agriculture and farmland from those who seek to undermine our nation’s food and energy security. Iowa’s multi-generation family farms are the backbone of our state’s economy and way of life. For decades, Iowa has banned the foreign ownership of farmland, a law we strengthened in 2024, to preserve our agricultural integrity and security while balancing the need for foreign business investment in our state. I fully support Secretary Rollins’ and the Trump Administration’s efforts to bolster enforcement, increase reporting, and enhance transparency of land ownership laws at the national level to guarantee that our American farmland remains in the hands of Americans.”
Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell: “The USDA’s leadership in developing this comprehensive Plan shows a clear commitment to putting American farmers and ranchers first. Protecting our farmland and food systems from foreign influence and biosecurity threats is critical not only to our agricultural economy but to the national security of the United States. I’m proud to join colleagues from across the nation in supporting this important work.”
Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Gipson: “I was honored to join with 11 of my fellow State Ag Commissioners to submit this letter in support of Secretary Rollins farm security plan to protect our Country’s food supply – Because Farm Security is National Security.”
Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur: “Agriculture is truly the backbone of our nation, and protecting the U.S. now and into the future means protecting our food supply. I applaud the foresight and leadership of Secretary Rollins and her colleagues to defend and strengthen American agriculture. I look forward to supporting these efforts on behalf of our Oklahoma farmers and ranchers and all Americans who count on the safe, reliable, and nutritious food we produce in the United States.”
New Jersey State Senator Doug Steinhardt: “I stand firmly with President Trump and Secretary Rollins and applaud their recognition of farm security’s direct relationship with national security. In New Jersey, I’ve led the charge to stop the Chinese Communist Party from buying up our farmland because we know the threat is real and growing. I applaud this bold step by the Trump Administration to prioritize American agriculture and protect the land that feeds our families and fuels our economy.”
West Virginia Delegate Josh Holstein: “I am grateful to President Trump and Secretary Rollins for their unwavering defense of American agricultural land from foreign adversaries. Preserving our agricultural independence is not only an economic issue but also a national security issue. In West Virginia, we have fought back against this very issue and it is exciting to see that the Trump Administration is making this an early priority. A strong nation must be able to feed itself, and today’s announcement is a vital step in ensuring that remains true for generations to come.”
Tennessee State Representative Chris Todd: “President Trump continues his mission to put America first by securing our food supply and protecting our land. If we ever become dependent on another country for our food or fiber, our freedoms will erode quickly, and we will slip into a harsh decline as a nation. Tennessee will continue to do all we can to support the protection of our food, Farms, and freedoms!”
Louisiana State Senator Blake Miguez: “Secretary Rollins and the Trump Administration are boldly leading to Make America Secure Again. The Administration’s common sense Action Plan protects American families, protects our farmers and our food, and protects our national security interests.”
Pennsylvania State Senator Dawn Keefer: “I’m grateful for the Trump administration’s steadfast support of legislators like me who are working to protect our farmland and strengthen America’s food supply. Farm security is national security and that’s why I’m proud to sponsor PA’s Farmland Protection Bill, Senate Bill 386, to help safeguard our farmland from foreign ownership and secure it for future generations.”
The Fertilizer Institute President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch: “Agricultural production and critical infrastructure security and resilience go hand-in-hand, and we strongly support the Administration’s efforts to designate fertilizers as national-security essential agricultural inputs. Fertilizers are globally-traded commodities and the supply chain for some key products can be impacted by nations that are not always aligned with U.S. interests. We are also grateful for USDA’s ongoing engagement with the U.S. Department of the Interior to support the inclusion of inputs including phosphate and potash on DOI’s critical minerals list.”
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President and Nebraska Cattleman Buck Wehrbein: “America is blessed to have hundreds of thousands of family farms and ranches producing beef right here at home. NCBA strongly agrees with Secretary Rollins that farm security is national security. We are pleased that USDA is protecting our family farms and ranches, scrutinizing foreign acquisitions to ensure they don’t threaten American agriculture, protecting U.S. agricultural research from foreign adversaries, and bolstering animal health programs to prevent a foreign animal disease outbreak. Secretary Rollins and President Trump are true friends of American agriculture.”
Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Erin Beasley: “Alabama’s beef producers know that farm security is national security. We applaud Secretary Rollins for protecting the farmers and families who produce our nation’s food.”
Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association President and Cattle Producer Scott Sullivan: “Arkansas cattle producers stand firmly behind Secretary Rollins’ Farm Security is National Security plan. Safeguarding livestock health, securing our food supply chains, and defending our rural communities are core Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association principles. We fully support these commonsense measures that protect producers, preserve property rights, and promote resilience in American agriculture.”
California Cattlemen’s Association President and Rancher Rick Roberti: “Secretary Rollins’ plan is a smart, proactive step to protect our farms and ranches while strengthening the security of America’s food supply. This action from USDA puts critical tools in place to help prevent major disruptions in our supply chains—an essential move to ensure cattle producers can continue delivering the safest, highest-quality beef to families nationwide. Addressing these risks head-on gives ranchers and farmers like me a greater peace of mind and a stronger foundation for the future.”
Colorado Cattlemen’s Association President and Rancher Curt Russell: “We thank Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for her commitment to farmers and ranchers across the nation. The Farm Security is National Security Plan helps bolster farmers and ranchers and ensure agricultural production will be protected now and for future generations.”
Idaho Cattle Association Executive Vice President Cameron Mulrony: “The strength of our farms and ranches is vital to the success of America and the American people. The Idaho Cattle Association salutes Secretary Rollins’ effort to support our industry’s continued efforts to provide consumers with a safe and nutritious product.”
Illinois Beef Association Member and Cattle Producer Al Lyman: “The security plan announced today by Secretary Rollins is a great step in maintaining strength in rural America and throughout our food supply chain. We all win from the continued protection and priority that President Trump and his team are placing on America’s farmers and food producers.”
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association President and Cattle Producer Rob Medberry: “We have heard the phrase food security is national security, but now, we are getting to the root of the statement and acknowledging the importance of where our food comes from—the farm. As a producer and representative of Iowa’s cattle industry, I applaud Secretary Rollins and her administration for defending this connection and bringing it to the forefront with the Farm Security is National Security plan. This plan addresses key concerns that America’s farmers and ranchers have been discussing for years. From ensuring producers have the resources necessary to protect herd health, to eliminating one more obstacle for young farmers trying to purchase land and get started, the Farm Security is National Security plan highlights these issues and more, creating a focus for action that will protect America’s agriculture industry. As Americans, we should be proud to have a secure, plentiful, and safe food supply. We must continue to protect it. That starts at the farm.”
Kansas Livestock Association Chief Executive Officer Matt Teagarden: “Protecting U.S. livestock from foreign animal disease and securing our nation’s food supply is crucial to maintaining national security. We appreciate Secretary Rollins’ efforts to defend American agriculture and safeguard the livelihoods of our farmers and ranchers.”
Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association President and Farmer Randy Warner: “The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association supports Secretary Rollins’ Farm Security is National Security plan. Protecting animals from foreign diseases, safeguarding agricultural infrastructure and supply chains, and securing our nation’s farmland are all critical to the success of the cattle industry.”
Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association President and Cattle Producer Jarett Daigle: “Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association is appreciative of Secretary Rollins’ plan to put farm security first. Agriculture built this land, and we must safeguard it for our future generations!”
Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Kaitlyn Root: “We commend the Secretary for prioritizing agriculture through the Farm Security is National Security plan, an essential step toward strengthening America’s future.”
Michigan Cattlemen’s Association President and Cattle Producer Kevin Gould: “The Michigan Cattlemen’s Association proudly extends our full support to Secretary Rollins and her Farm Security is National Security initiative. Agricultural prosperity is the foundation of Michigan’s rural communities, and that prosperity begins and ends with strong, family-owned farms. Local ownership of farmland is essential to maintaining a secure and resilient food supply, and our local governments and communities depend on it. We remain committed to supporting USDA leadership in its ongoing efforts to protect and strengthen American agriculture.”
Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Andy Berry: “This initiative strengthens agriculture across Mississippi by keeping our farmland and resources under American control. It protects our crops, livestock, and supply chains from foreign threats while ensuring our farmers and ranchers can keep feeding the state and the nation. It’s a smart step for the security and future of Mississippi agriculture.”
Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Mike Deering: “Safeguarding our industry from animal disease outbreaks and even agroterrorism is paramount to cattle producers and our consumers. We learned during the COVID nightmare just how volatile our food supply chain truly is and it’s clear the Secretary and President Trump believe in being proactive rather than reactive. It’s appreciated and refreshing.”
Montana Stockgrowers Association President and Rancher Lesley Robinson: “The Montana Stockgrowers Association applauds Secretary Rollins following the announcement of her Farm Security is National Security plan. Through the work our organization has done to raise awareness on producer profitability and industry viability, there is no doubt that food security is an integral part of achieving that. The security of our nation’s food systems is a primary component of our nation’s security. Not only do agricultural and related industries employ millions of Americans, ranchers also contribute significantly to the GDP, are the backbone of rural economies, and effectively feed the world. America must maintain an abundant and reliable food supply in order to preserve the independence, prosperity, and safety of our nation.”
Nebraska Cattlemen President and Cattle Producer Dick Pierce: “Nebraskans know that raising healthy cattle and maintaining productive operations begins with ensuring safety and security. Thankfully, so does President Trump and his team. We’re grateful to Secretary Rollins, Secretary Hegseth, and the rest of the Trump Administration for their decisive plan to protect U.S. agriculture, shore up our supply chains, and make sure that Nebraska’s ranchers and farmers have the certainty they need to keep feeding the world.”
North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Milo Lewis: “North Carolina’s cattle producers understand that protecting our farms and food supply is essential to protecting our country. We support efforts that strengthen biosecurity, preserve access to safe, nutritious food, and safeguard the land and resources our rural communities depend on. Food security is national security, and we’re proud to be part of that mission every day.”
North Dakota Stockmen’s Association President and Rancher Randy Schmitt: “American agriculture plays a critical role in feeding and clothing the nation and the world. It is also an economic pillar for not only our rural communities, but our entire country. Protecting the health and well-being of our livestock and the safety and security of our entire food supply chain helps ensure food security, as well as the economic stability and resiliency of family farms and ranches like mine.”
Ohio Cattlemen’s Association President and Cattle Producer Mark Goecke: “Ohio’s beef farm families welcomed today’s announcement of the new Farm Security is National Security plan by Secretary of Agriculture Rollins. The agricultural protections outlined in the plan from diseases and other significant threats to our industry are greatly appreciated by OCA members. Our association looks forward to learning more about the plan and being a partner in this important effort.”
Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Michael Kelsey: “Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association members are very appreciative of Secretary Rollins’ strong, proactive and science based approach to addressing food security. We haven’t seen this type of great leadership at USDA in some time, and it is refreshing and reassuring to Oklahoma cattle producers who take great pride in producing the safest, most wholesome and nutritious animal protein product!”
South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Travis Mitchell: “The South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association supports all efforts to protect the American farmer and rancher. We applaud Secretary Rollins’ Farm Security is National Security plan.”
South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association President and Rancher Warren Symens: “The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association applauds Secretary Rollin’s food security plan and recognizing that agriculture is fundamental to our nation’s security. Prioritizing the safety of our food system, strengthening livestock health infrastructure, and addressing supply chain vulnerabilities reflects a clear commitment to not only farmers and ranchers, but to the essential role they play in feeding America.”
Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Charles Hord, Jr.: “The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association appreciates Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for recognizing the importance of agriculture to the future of our country. We agree farm security is national security.”
Texas Cattle Feeders Association Chairman-Elect and Cattle Producer Laphe LaRoe: “As beef producers, we know the importance of protecting livestock, land, and people from threats is a top priority. Secretary Rollins’ Farm Security is National Security Plan lays the foundation to protect our herds from foreign animal diseases, the industry from cyberthreats and foreign acquisitions, among many other agriculture-first policy actions. Today’s announcement ensures economic opportunities for our industry, while providing supply chain resiliency for consumers.”
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President and Rancher Carl Ray Polk Jr.: “Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is pleased to support Secretary Brooke Rollins and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s action plan, U.S. Farm Security is National Security. Strengthening agricultural research, safeguarding land from foreign adversarial ownership and enhancing animal health protections are essential steps in preserving the integrity of our food system. This plan is a vital measure to prioritize the security of our food supply and support the livelihoods of ranchers, farmers and consumers. A resilient agricultural industry is crucial to our national security and economic stability.”
Virginia Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Brandon Reeves: “Food security is national security and the Administration’s beefed-up approach ensures America will stay safe, our farmers and ranchers will stay in business, and our land will remain in agricultural production. Virginia Cattlemen’s Association commends Secretary Rollins and her team on their tireless efforts to keep America safe through supporting our nation’s farmers and ranchers.”
West Virginia Cattlemen’s Association President and Cattle Farmer Megan Webb: “The West Virginia Cattlemen’s Association wants to sincerely thank Secretary Rollins and President Trump for their leadership in launching the National Farm Security Action Plan. This plan recognizes that farm security is national security, and it’s a vital step for protecting American agriculture, supporting our rural communities, and ensuring a strong secure food supply. This initiative shows a clear commitment to the men and women who feed our nation.”
Wyoming Stock Growers Association Executive Vice President Jim Magagna: “In Wyoming where energy production is so critical, we are accustomed to what we do being important for the security of this nation. We appreciate the recognition that agriculture—an equally important industry in Wyoming—also contributes to national security. Every day, our producers pursue their work with the understanding that it’s more than a job, it’s about raising healthy, safe food critical to our nation’s security.”
Director of Public Policy for Tennessee Farm Bureau: “Tennesse Farm Bureau was proud to be at Secretary Rollins’ announcement today of the National Farm Security Action Plan on how we protect our farmland. Tennessee Govenor Bill Lee is leading the way! Thank you, Secretary Hegseth, Secretary Noem, Attorney General Bondi, and Senior Counselor Navarro for recognizing this important topic!”
***Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture***
