USDA Cuts Foreign Researchers Over National Security Concerns

 Washington, D.C.— The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken decisive action to strengthen national security by terminating approximately 70 foreign researchers, most of whom were Chinese nationals.

The move follows a sweeping national security review initiated to protect the integrity of the country’s agricultural sector from potential threats linked to nations such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

In a statement released by the department, a USDA spokesperson explained that the review identified researchers from “countries of concern” who were no longer permitted to work on USDA contracts. “These individuals will no longer participate in USDA projects due to security considerations,” the statement noted.

The dismissals form part of a broader agricultural security strategy unveiled on July 8 by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. This initiative aims to prevent foreign adversaries from accessing sensitive U.S. food research, restrict land acquisitions, and terminate any existing agreements involving high-risk nations.

“These measures are vital to defending America’s food security infrastructure,” Secretary Rollins affirmed. She stressed the importance of proactive leadership in preserving the country’s food supply chain.

The terminated scientists, many of whom were postdoctoral researchers working under short-term contracts within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), had contributed to critical research in areas like climate resilience, food safety, and pest control.

However, the abrupt nature of the dismissals drew criticism from within the agency. Thomas Henderson, President of AFGE Local 1657, revealed that some researchers discovered their badge access was revoked upon arrival at work on July 9. He warned the decision would cripple the agency’s research capacity due to an ongoing federal hiring freeze.

“We’ve lost skilled professionals with no ability to replace them until at least October. This could set back critical projects—such as a vaccine for a beef-related toxin—by years,” Henderson cautioned.

Although the USDA has not responded directly to concerns over diminished scientific output, internal memos indicate a tightening of controls on international collaboration. Staff are now required to seek approval before publishing or participating in activities involving nationals from the designated countries.

Ethan Roberts, President of AFGE Local 3247, reported that co-authored papers with foreign nationals are being re-evaluated and will likely be barred from publication. “The policy shift is veering from oversight to outright prohibition,” he observed.

This development adds to the recent attrition within the ARS, which has seen over 1,200 employees depart since 2024 due to federal downsizing efforts—further straining America’s scientific edge in agriculture.

By Adeola Olaniya | July 19, 2025