New federal felony for importing dangerous crop pathogens without USDA approval
H.R. 4014 — Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats (PLANT) Act · Filed by Zachary (Zach) Nunn (R-IA) · 3 cosponsors · Introduced Jun 13, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill creates a new federal crime for knowingly or recklessly importing dangerous agricultural pathogens without a permit from the USDA or other authorized agency. Violations carry up to 10 years in prison and fines; aggravating factors (concealment, foreign government involvement, or over $1 million in crop damage) can extend sentences to 20 years. The USDA will define which pathogens qualify as 'high-risk' by regulation.
Why we flagged it
The bill's sole operative mechanism is establishing a new federal felony for reckless or knowing importation of USDA-designated dangerous agricultural pathogens. It is a straightforward public-health and biosecurity measure with no hidden riders or private carve-outs.
What the text implies
- The USDA's regulatory definition of 'high-risk agricultural pathogen' will determine the scope of criminal liability; overly broad or narrow definitions could either chill legitimate agricultural research/imports or leave gaps in coverage.
- The 'recklessly' standard requires proof of conscious disregard of substantial risk; prosecutors may face evidentiary challenges distinguishing recklessness from negligence in borderline cases.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who it affects
The bill protects U.S. agricultural systems and food security by criminalizing reckless or knowing importation of dangerous pathogens that could devastate crops and livestock.