USDA Launches New Online Portal for Reporting Foreign-Owned Agricultural Land Transactions – AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST

USDA Launches Online Portal to Enhance Reporting of Foreign-Owned Agricultural Land Transactions

Introduction

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced a new online portal designed to streamline the reporting process for transactions involving U.S. agricultural land owned by foreign persons, including businesses and governments. This initiative aligns with the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA) and supports the USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan.

Objectives and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment

This development emphasizes transparency, security, and sustainable management of agricultural resources, directly contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – By safeguarding American farmland, the USDA ensures continued agricultural productivity and food security.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The launch of a secure, efficient online portal demonstrates innovation in government infrastructure.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Enhancing transparency and enforcement supports accountable institutions and national security.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaboration with secure login services like Login.gov exemplifies effective partnerships for sustainable development.

Key Features of the Online Portal

1. Streamlined Reporting: Simplifies the submission of foreign-owned agricultural land transaction reports.
2. Secure Access: Utilizes Login.gov for secure and reliable user authentication.
3. Enhanced Compliance: Facilitates accurate and verifiable reporting to improve enforcement efforts.
4. National Security Protection: Helps identify and monitor foreign interests, particularly those of foreign adversaries, in U.S. farmland.

Official Statements

Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating: “President Trump is putting America First, and this includes increasing transparency and scrutiny of one of our most valuable national assets, American farmland. We are working to improve reporting of foreign owned land in the United States. This move to streamline the reporting portal will increase compliance and assist our efforts to effectively enforce farm accurate reporting of interests held by foreign adversaries in U.S. farmland.”

She further added, “The online portal will allow us to obtain verifiable information about foreign interests in American agricultural land and protect the security of our farmers.”

Access Information

• Portal URL: afida.landmark.usda.gov
• Login Method: Login.gov secure sign-in service

Conclusion

The USDA’s new online portal represents a significant step toward sustainable agricultural land management by enhancing transparency, security, and compliance in foreign land ownership reporting. This initiative supports multiple SDGs by promoting food security, innovation, strong institutions, and collaborative partnerships.

Source: USDA

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article focuses on protecting American farmland, which is essential for food production and agricultural sustainability.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses increasing transparency, enforcement, and compliance related to foreign ownership of agricultural land, which aligns with promoting strong institutions and rule of law.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The use of secure online portals and government programs indicates leveraging partnerships and technology to improve governance and data transparency.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 2 Targets:
   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
   • The protection and monitoring of farmland ownership contribute to sustainable agricultural land management.
2. SDG 16 Targets:
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making.
   • The new portal increases transparency and accountability in reporting foreign ownership of farmland.
3. SDG 17 Targets:
   • Target 17.18: Enhance capacity-building support to increase availability of high-quality, timely, and reliable data.
   • The implementation of an online portal with secure login supports improved data collection and reporting.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 2:
   • Area of agricultural land under sustainable management (implied by monitoring foreign ownership to protect farmland).
2. Indicators related to SDG 16:
   • Proportion of institutions with transparent and accountable reporting mechanisms (implied by the introduction of the online portal).
   • Number of reported transactions involving foreign ownership of agricultural land (measuring compliance and enforcement effectiveness).
3. Indicators related to SDG 17:
   • Availability and use of secure online platforms for data reporting (implied by the portal’s use of Login.gov).
   • Timeliness and reliability of data collected on foreign-owned agricultural land.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: aginfo.net