On Friday, March 21, 2025, Mississippi State University (MSU) hosted the “Food and Ag as National Security” conference, a key event that brought together experts from the military, agriculture, and food sectors to explore the complex connections between food systems and national security. I was honored to represent Farmer Veteran Coalition at this conference which highlighted the strategic importance of agriculture in safeguarding national interests and fostering global stability.
Building upon the momentum of the previous “Intersection of Agriculture and Competitive Statecraft” conference held in Washington, D.C., this event aimed to deepen dialogue on how agricultural practices and policies influence national defense and international relations. A highlight of the conference was the announcement of the establishment of MSU’s new Food and Agriculture as Competitive Statecraft (FACS) Collaboratory. The Collaboratory will facilitate research and collaboration at the intersection of food, agriculture, and national security. This is a first step toward integrating academia, policy, and industry to ensure the resilience and sustainability of food systems.
The conference also featured a special panel moderated by Dr. Ashli Brown, the Associate Vice President for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine at MSU that previewed a new course set to launch in the fall semester. This course entitled Agriculture, Food, and National Conflict aims to instruct on global politics, agriculture, and national security, providing students with real-world applications and insights into the role of agriculture in global affairs. MSU hopes that by equipping students with an understanding of the critical role food systems play in geopolitical stability, they will be at the forefront of agricultural and national security education.
One of my favorite speakers at this conference was the keynote speaker – Dr. Chase Sova, Senior Director of Public Policy and Research at World Food Program USA. His speech, titled “U.S. Leadership in Fighting Global Hunger: Safety, Strength, and Prosperity,” underscored the benefits of America’s commitment to alleviating global hunger, emphasizing moral imperatives, economic advantages, and national security interests.
Dr. Sova emphasized the critical link between food security and national security. He explained that food insecurity can lead to social unrest, conflict, and migration, which may pose challenges to global stability and, by extension, U.S. national interests. By addressing hunger proactively, the United States contributes to global peace and stability, thereby enhancing its own security.
During my past five years at the helm of FVC, I have had the national security discussion with many of my Veterans. A few key points that I think we can all agree on:
- Agricultural Sustainability – Dependence on food imports can make our country vulnerable to global market disruptions, trade restrictions, or geopolitical tensions. Investment in domestic agriculture enhances self-reliance and economic security.
- Extreme Weather/Emergency Preparedness – Extreme weather events threaten food production, and the country needs to develop and support farming practices and policies to ensure long-term food security. If climate-controlled agriculture is the solution, then we need to be talking about water and energy consumption. National reserves and food stockpiles help during disasters, pandemics, or conflicts. Efficient food distribution systems ensure that food reaches affected populations during crisis. Given the number of disasters we are seeing, these need to be reviewed and adjusted.
- Biosecurity and Food Safety – Ensuring food safety prevents diseases that could impact public health and workforce productivity. Protecting crops and livestock from pests, diseases, and bioterrorism is crucial for food security. Given the number of invasive species introduced into our country every year, the agricultural sector needs strong crop protection tools developed and approved by the EPA. In weighing the various ways that the countries food supply can be tampered with we must utilize tools such as the Internet of Things (IoT) which is a network of physical objects, “things”, embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that allow them to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet. We simply must think outside of the box.
- Economic Development – A strong agricultural sector contributes to job creation, rural development, and overall economic growth. As we have learned this past year, high food prices or shortages can strain household incomes and increase poverty rates.
A famous quote from 1932 is still relevant today, “All politics is local.” Politicians’ attention and actions are often focused on the immediate concerns of their constituents and their home districts, rather than on broader national and international issues. However, this concept emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing local issues as a starting point for broader policy changes. For example, a local politician might focus on issues like public safety, local infrastructure, or community development, which are directly relevant to their constituents. I urge you to become involved locally and to voice your concerns on these issues as they pertain to feeding the people in your county and your state.
