USDA fires more than 70 foreign researchers

More than 70 foreign researchers have been banned from working with USDA. The move follows an internal security review aimed at keeping foreign adversaries out of U.S. research projects.

The contractors worked under USDA’s research arm, and most were post-doctoral researchers. A union leader for the ag research service told Reuters that the firings took out a lot of talent that will stunt research growth.

USDA says any individuals working for countries of concern will no longer be allowed to work on USDA projects, which includes researchers from countries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.

Related Stories
Wheat Harvest Expands As Drought Still Pressures Pastures
USDA confirmed the latest cases involve a calf in La Salle County and a dog in Andrews County
Texas Tech’s Dr. Jennifer Koziol discusses the latest New World screwworm cases in Texas, ongoing response efforts, and how livestock biosecurity can prevent the pest’s spread.
Corn ethanol demand and stronger oilseed processing continue supporting domestic markets for crop producers.
IDA Texas’s Cooper Little discusses producer response to New World Screwworm in Texas, ongoing coordination with animal health officials, and the steps being taken to manage and protect livestock movement across the region.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney recaps Farm Credit Canada’s trade forum, Canadian producer sentiment ahead of the USMCA review, and his outlook for U.S.-Canada trade relations.
Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 PM ET / 6:30 PM CT
Kevin Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance joins us to discuss evolving insurance needs in the dairy sector and strategies to support dairy producers during National Dairy Month.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joins us to discuss Canada’s livestock import restrictions, producer reaction to the New World screwworm detection in Texas, and the potential implications for cross-border livestock trade.
HTS Commodities’ Lewis Williamson joins us to recap USDA’s latest Crop Progress Report, troubling winter wheat conditions, and key market factors shaping the markets as the growing season progresses.