USDA, Department of War Sign Farm Security Agreement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of War (DoW) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen coordination under the National Farm Security Action Plan, a federal initiative that treats agriculture as a national security priority.

The agreement was signed February 11 in Washington, D.C., by Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

What the Agreement Does

The MOU formalizes collaboration between USDA and DoW agencies to:

• Defend U.S. food and agricultural systems
• Strengthen domestic agricultural productivity
• Address emerging security threats, including cyber and biosecurity risks
• Improve supply chain protection

The first action under the agreement launches a partnership between the DoW’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and USDA’s Office of the Chief Scientist. The partnership will:

• Share information on agricultural security vulnerabilities
• Develop technology solutions for agriculture-related threats
• Exchange personnel to accelerate research and innovation

Background: National Farm Security Action Plan

The National Farm Security Action Plan was launched in July 2025. USDA states that the plan elevates American agriculture as a key element of national security.

Since its launch, USDA reports taking several actions, including:

• Publishing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to modernize reporting requirements for foreign investment in U.S. agricultural land under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA)
• Developing an online AFIDA filing system as an alternative to paper reports
• Launching a public reporting portal for suspected false or failed foreign investment disclosures
• Working to designate key fertilizer inputs as critical minerals
• Terminating contractors and visiting scientists with citizenship from countries of concern
• Updating research and development priorities to strengthen research security
• Standardizing USDA grant and cooperative agreement terms
• Blocking taxpayer funding for solar panels from China and prohibiting BioPreferred certifications for entities in countries of concern

New USDA Research Security Office

USDA also announced the creation of the Office of Research, Economic, and Science Security within the Office of the Chief Scientist. The office will coordinate research security efforts across USDA’s internal and external research programs and support implementation of National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33).

What Officials Said

“President Trump is putting America First and that means ensuring our government is working as one to defend the safety, security, and resilience of our food supply and the land that sustains it,” said Secretary L. Brooke Rollins. “Over the past year, USDA has delivered real results under the National Farm Security Action Plan. Today's MOU with Secretary Hegseth marks the next phase of that work, pairing USDA’s agricultural expertise with the Department of War’s innovation and security capabilities to confront threats head-on. I'm grateful for Secretary Hegseth’s leadership and partnership in supporting America’s farmers and ranchers.”

“In the face of growing threats from adversaries who seek to undermine our food supply and agricultural independence, the Department of War stands ready to defend America's farms as vital national security assets. This Memorandum of Understanding with USDA, particularly through partnership with DARPA, will drive innovative solutions to protect our farmers and ranchers from cyber attacks, foreign intrusions, and biosecurity risks. Together, under the leadership of President Trump and collaboration with Secretary Rollins, we're ensuring that American agriculture remains resilient, productive, and a cornerstone of our nation's strength,” said Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

What Farmers Should Know

• USDA is increasing oversight of foreign investment in U.S. agricultural land.
• New online systems are being developed for AFIDA reporting and public disclosures.
• Federal agencies are expanding efforts to protect agricultural supply chains, fertilizer inputs and research security.
• USDA and DoW will collaborate on technology and innovation aimed at reducing cyber and biosecurity risks in agriculture.