Department of Agriculture Press Conference Signals Major Shift in U.S. Policy regarding CCP

 Watch press conference: https://www.youtube.com/live/qF5T0oB9zfM?feature=shared

By Patrice Johnson, Chair, Michigan Fair Elections Institute

LANSING, Mich. — The Trump administration has implemented a multi-agency initiative intended to protect Michigan’s farmlands, food supply, and agricultural research from foreign entities, specifically China, by introducing a ban on Chinese nationals purchasing U.S. farmland. This action follows a case in Michigan involving Chinese researchers charged with smuggling a crop fungus, which officials cited as an example of security concerns. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and White House Counsel Peter Navarro, announced the National Farm Security Action Plan at USDA headquarters on Tuesday. The plan aims to enhance security in Michigan’s agriculture sector, safeguard research, and address risks related to agroterrorism and intellectual property.

“We’re tracking and very well aware of the Michigan case, but there are others as well,” Rollins said, referencing federal charges brought in June against two Chinese researchers accused of bringing a crop-damaging fungus into the United States, according to the FBI.

Navarro’s Remarks on Security Concerns

 Watch press conference: https://www.youtube.com/live/qF5T0oB9zfM?feature=shared

White House Counsel, Peter Navarro, led off his comments during the press conference, saying,

“It’s difficult, I think, for a lot of Americans to wrap their head around what we’re talking about today. We’re such a good and kind nation that has done so much for the rest of the world over so many decades, including fighting two world wars on behalf of the rest of the world. But this is so serious an issue. The Art of War book by Sun Tzu says the acme of warfare is to win without firing a shot.”

He said, “We must be clear eyed about the threats.“

Navarro indicated an escalation of global threats. “The world changed on April 2 when China embargoed precious minerals.” He referenced Sun Tzu’s ancient book, The Art of War and the more recent Unrestricted Warfare written by high-ranking CCP military officials.

“Kinetic warfare is not the first choice of our rivals anymore. Rather it is things like sending us seeds, or trying to steal our seeds, or trying to change the seeds. It is acquiring our supply chain in agriculture. It is setting up spy shops on land next to military bases.” Navarro pointed out China’s ownership of seed company Syngenta.

He referenced China's purchase of Smithfield Foods, a major pork supplier, which gave China control of one-eighth of the world’s pork supply.

Navarro stated that the USDA initiative marks a policy shift, and he cited efforts by Secretary Rollins to respond to attacks on U.S. agriculture and supply chains.

“What Secretary Rollins is doing, it’s a historic day. She’s putting down the marker that the U.S. is no longer going to tolerate the attacks on our agriculture, not just our land but also our supply chain as well.”

Michigan’s Strategic Significance

“Too much American land is owned by nationals of adversarial countries, and more than 265,000 acres in the United States are owned by Chinese nationals, much of which is located near critical US military bases,” Rollins said. Image Source: New York Post

Rollins highlighted that over 265,000 acres of U.S. land is owned by Chinese nationals, much it located near military installations. A review found 19 bases, including those in Michigan, potentially susceptible to surveillance through various technologies originating from foreign-owned properties.

To address these issues, the USDA intends to prohibit land purchases by Chinese entities and prioritize American technology for research funding. The plan proposes updates to the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act, increasing penalties for false reporting to 25% of the land’s fair market value. The plan also includes a review of Michigan’s SNAP (food stamp) program to prevent fraud and ensure funds support local agriculture.

Bipartisan State Collaboration

Rollins recognized red-state-level efforts and suggested the potential for bipartisan cooperation related to SNAP and agricultural security. She noted, “We’re already collaborating with key Democratic governors like Whitmer.”

“The states have really taken the lead on this,” Rollins told the New York Post on Monday. “I’m looking forward to working alongside our friends on the Hill [and] with the federal government to step up.”

The USDA will partner with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to evaluate risks arising from past collaborations, such as a previously ended avian influenza project with a Chinese laboratory, brought to light by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). That project involved up to $1 million in federal funding.

Ongoing Security Measures

The USDA plan includes identifying supply chain components associated with foreign countries and proposing measures to increase Michigan’s agricultural resilience. Navarro emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing these risks. Rollins concluded that these steps are intended to protect the nation’s farmers, food supply, and culture, with a goal of enhancing national security.

Sarah Huckabee, Governor of Arkansas, said, “I am so grateful I get to part of an effort that is going to make sure that the freedom of our country is protected and preserved for every American.”

Patrice Johnson is founder and chairperson of Michigan Fair Elections (MFEI) and Pure Integrity Michigan Elections (PIME). Patrice has founded five successful technology companies and served as senior executive with a Fortune 50 technology company. In 2017, she authored the national award-wining book, the Fall and Rise of Tyler Johnson, the basis of the nationally circulated PBS documentary film, Finding Tyler. Questions or comments? Contact patrice@mifairelections.org.

Artificial Intelligence was used in the writing of this article