In a significant move, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has terminated contracts with dozens of foreign researchers from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, citing national security concerns. This decision, announced on Friday, follows a review of U.S. food safety and is part of a broader plan by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to protect American farmland from foreign influence. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the research arm of the USDA, has lost dozens of researchers, primarily Chinese post-doctoral scientists, who worked on projects related to pests, food safety, and climate change. The affected researchers were found to be nationals from countries of concern, and they will no longer be able to work on USDA projects. The USDA spokesperson stated that the decision was made to ensure the security of U.S. agricultural interests and to prevent foreign adversaries from gaining undue influence over American farmland. This move is also aligned with Rollins’ earlier announcement to restrict contracts with workers from these countries and prevent them from acquiring farmland in the U.S. The decision has raised concerns among researchers and unions, as some have found their work permits revoked even after arriving to start their positions. The termination of these contracts has also led to delays in ongoing research projects, as many cannot be replaced until the October 15 federal hiring freeze is lifted. This has raised concerns about the impact on scientific progress and the potential setback in critical agricultural research, particularly projects such as the development of a vaccine for a deadly toxin found in undercooked beef. The USDA’s decision has been met with criticism, with some arguing that it could hinder U.S. agricultural innovation and cooperation with international experts.