Commissioner Shell joins 11 State Ag Leaders to support National Farm Security Action Plan
Plan takes decisive steps to safeguard agricultural land ownership
FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 8, 2025) – Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, along with 11 of his fellow agriculture leaders from across the country serving on the America First Agriculture Commissioner Council, has penned a letter of support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) newly announced National Farm Security Action Plan. In their joint letter, these State Departments of Agriculture voiced unified backing for this vital Plan that will protect America’s farmland and strengthen national security.
Agriculture commissioners, secretaries, and directors from the following states signed the letter: Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
“American farmland is a strategic asset,” the letter states. “It sustains our food supply, powers rural economies, and contributes directly to the health and sovereignty of our nation.”
With rising concerns over increasing foreign interest in U.S. farmland — particularly near military installations and critical infrastructure — and after years of subsequent inaction from the previous administration, the Plan takes decisive steps to safeguard agricultural land ownership and address supply chain vulnerabilities. The National Farm Security Action Plan specifically aims to tighten reporting and enforcement under the Agricultural Foreign Investment and Disclosure Act (AFIDA), enhance penalties for noncompliance, and strengthen USDA oversight to ensure America retains control over its critical food systems.
The Plan also secures various facets of American agriculture beyond protecting farmland. It evaluates all USDA programs — including rural development, research, and nutrition— to ensure they put America First. Additional measures focus on securing supply chains protecting plant and animal health from invasive species and foreign animal diseases and calling upon State partners in government to pursue similar measures.
“The USDA’s leadership in developing this comprehensive Plan, and working across other federal Departments, shows a clear commitment to putting American farmers and ranchers first,” Commissioner Shell said. “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.”
The letter highlights the crucial role the USDA plays as a “load-bearing wall” in the nation’s security, coordinating with federal, state, and local partners, as well as the intelligence community, to secure the integrity of food systems and critical agricultural infrastructure.
State agriculture leaders emphasized the importance of transparency and close collaboration with stakeholders — including farmers, ranchers, and tribal communities — to safeguard America’s agricultural productivity and preserve farmland for future generations.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture remains dedicated to supporting policies and programs that protect Kentucky farms and ensure a strong, secure, and resilient agricultural sector for the Commonwealth and the nation.
For more information on Kentucky’s agricultural initiatives, visit kyagr.com.