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FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – Kentucky 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, 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 officials voiced unified backing for this plan, which they say will protect America’s farmland and strengthen national security.

“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.”

Read the letter of support here.

Read the National Farm Security Plan here.