Advancements in the National Farm Security Action Plan

This is Tim Hammerich of the Ag Information Network with your Farm of the Future Report.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins signed a Memorandum of Understanding that memorializes the relationship between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of War for the purpose of implementing the National Farm Security Action Plan. Secretary Rollins described the first actions under the newly signed MOU.

Rollins… “ Our very first action to implement the MOU will be through a new partnership between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency with DARPA and the USDA Chief Scientist. This will allow first the sharing of information regarding security vulnerabilities in agriculture. Second, collaboration to develop novel technological solutions to American agriculture's biggest challenges. And third, the exchange of personnel to ensure both departments are well equipped to protect American Agriculture.”

Secretary Rollins also provided details about a new office connected to the National Food Security Action Plan.

Rollins… “ USDA is also creating the Office of Research Economic and Science Security within the USDA Office of the Chief Scientist. This new office will be responsible for coordinating research security efforts across the entire USDA research enterprise, including both intramural and extramural activities.”

These actions reaffirm the administration’s commitment to treating agriculture as a cornerstone of national security.