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USDA Fires 70 Foreign Researchers Over National Security Concerns
USDA fires 70 foreign scientists—mainly Chinese nationals—after security probe into ties with China, Russia, Iran, & North Korea. Experts fear deep setbacks in U.S. agricultural research.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-18
USDA Fires 70 Foreign Researchers Over National Security Concerns

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has dismissed approximately 70 foreign contract researchers following a national security review aimed at safeguarding America’s food supply from foreign adversaries. The move is part of a broader initiative targeting individuals affiliated with China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea—countries labeled as “of concern” by U.S. authorities.

According to a USDA spokesperson, “The individuals working on these contracts from countries of concern will no longer be able to work on USDA projects.” The purge primarily affects Chinese post-doctoral researchers working under two-year contracts at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the USDA’s in-house research division.

This action follows a July 8 announcement by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who unveiled a sweeping farm security plan. The initiative includes restricting land purchases by nationals from the four countries and terminating all related research agreements. Rollins justified the moves as necessary to “secure the U.S. food supply.”

Thomas Henderson, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1657, revealed that many researchers learned of their dismissal only after their building access was suddenly revoked. “We don't have the talent now to progress on these research projects. It's setting us back by years, if not decades,” he warned.

Henderson added that the decision is especially damaging due to a federal hiring freeze in place through October 15, which prevents USDA from recruiting replacements. Critical projects—including research into a vaccine for a toxin found in undercooked beef—have been halted.

The USDA has not publicly addressed concerns over the disruption to ongoing research.

The ARS plays a pivotal role in addressing major agricultural challenges like pest control, climate change, and food safety. Over the past few years, the agency has already lost more than 1,200 employees—over 17% of its 2024 workforce—due to terminations and early-retirement incentives under former President Donald Trump’s administration.

In a memo dated July 8, Secretary Rollins further directed that USDA staff must now obtain agency approval before publishing any research with foreign nationals from the four adversarial nations. Additionally, staff are barred from attending events hosted by these countries.

Ethan Roberts, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3247, confirmed that existing research papers co-authored with foreign nationals will be reviewed again. “Those co-authored with foreign nationals from the four countries will be denied,” he said.

Though prior security reviews were already in place for such collaborations, the latest policy changes mark a dramatic escalation in the U.S. government’s effort to insulate critical food and agricultural research from foreign influence.

 
Tagged:

NationalSecurity

FoodSecurity

USDA

AgriResearch
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