Chairman Strong Sounds the Alarm on CCP Threats to US Agriculture

Strategic Insights -

Rep. Dale Strong, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology, has warned about the growing threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to US agriculture. Strong expressed concern over the CCP's attempts to infiltrate the US agricultural sector, citing instances of smuggled fungal spores and the ownership of 380,000 acres of US soil by Chinese entities. He emphasized the need to combat the CCP's malign influence on US soil and urged legislation to repatriate foreign-owned land.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) poses a significant threat to US agriculture, with Chairman Strong warning that this issue should not be taken lightly.
  • Three Chinese nationals attempted to smuggle a fungus into the US, claiming it was for research purposes, and were caught by authorities.
  • China owns or leases 380,000 acres of US soil, with most of these properties located near major military installations, raising concerns about national security.
  • Chairman Strong has proposed legislation, the Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act, to repatriate foreign-owned land and combat the CCP's influence in the US agricultural sector.
  • The bill aims to protect US agriculture from harmful activities, including agroterrorism, and prevent foreign entities from leasing or buying US land.
  • Alabama A&M University and Auburn University provided testimony on the risks posed by CCP activities to US agriculture.
  • Chairman Strong has vowed to address the issue and hold those responsible accountable, emphasizing the need for the court system to throw the book at individuals attempting to undermine US agriculture.

Statistics:

  • 380,000 acres of US soil owned or leased by Chinese entities, raising concerns about national security and the US food chain.
  • Three Chinese nationals caught attempting to smuggle fungal spores into the US, highlighting the threat posed by the CCP to US agriculture.
  • 10,000+ acres of land near major military installations owned by Chinese entities, raising concerns about the CCP's intentions and national security.
  • 2025 - The year in which Chairman Strong led a hearing to examine the threats posed by the CCP to US agriculture and proposed the Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act.

Sources:

  • "Chairman Strong Sounds the Alarm on CCP Threats to US Agriculture: Not an Issue That Should be Taken Lightly" by Rep. Dale Strong. - September 17, 2025: https://homeland.house.gov/2025/09/17/chairman-strong-sounds-the-alarm-on-ccp-threats-to-us-agriculture-not-an-issue-that-should-be-taken-lightly/