USDA reveals ‘America First’ approach to science

In a memo last month that may be an indicator of things to come, the USDA announced that it will ‘place America First in provisioning all USDA funds’ and begin reviewing all contracts and grants for interaction with foreign entities. The memo also requires recipients of USDA funding to disclose any association with foreign entities and ‘certify they are not party to a malign foreign talent recruitment program’.

This directive is consistent with both the USDA’s efforts to increase security around the American food supply and the Trump Administration’s efforts to restrict funding to foreign entities. It is also aligned with efforts across the  government, including at NIH, to reduce “ideological research.” We’ll keep watching this issue closely, as it may be a precursor to similar moves by other funding agencies.