Summary
The U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA) is tightening rules on research collaborations with foreign nationals to secure the country's food supply. This includes requiring researchers to reveal any foreign contracts and stopping work with certain countries. Recently, this led to the dismissal of 70 foreign researchers from countries the U.S. considers concerning.
Key Facts
- The USDA is increasing security around agricultural research to protect the U.S. food supply.
- New rules require anyone who gets USDA funding to declare connections with foreign entities.
- Seventy researchers from countries like Syria and Venezuela lost their jobs due to these rules.
- The "National Farm Security Action Plan" aims to boost U.S. agriculture by reducing foreign involvement.
- Some experts worry these rules may hurt U.S. innovation in agricultural research.
- USDA researchers must get approval before working with or publishing papers with foreign nationals.
- Many foreign nationals in the U.S. hold advanced degrees in sciences, highlighting the potential impact.
- During fiscal year 2022, the USDA funded $3 billion worth of research.
