Representative Don Bacon Reintroduces Legislation to Strengthen America's Agricultural Security

Strategic Insights -

Representative Don Bacon has reintroduced the American Agricultural Security Research Act of 2025 (H.R. 4155) to bolster the cyber defenses of the nation's food supply chain and secure America's agricultural sector. The legislation aims to address the growing threat of cyberattacks on the U.S. agri-food sector, which reported 40 cyberattack incidents in the first quarter of 2024. By establishing Centers of Excellence and a competitive USDA grant program, the bill seeks to strengthen agricultural cybersecurity infrastructure and ensure the nation's food supply chain remains secure.

Key Takeaways:

  • H.R. 4155, the American Agricultural Security Research Act of 2025, aims to strengthen America's agricultural security by bolstering cyber defenses for the nation's food supply chain.
  • The legislation establishes Centers of Excellence at institutions of higher education to research and engage in extension on topics related to cybersecurity, biosecurity, and agricultural production.
  • A competitive grant program will be established within USDA to support research, extension, and education activities that improve the capability of the United States to protect the food and agricultural system from attack or other global catastrophic threats.
  • Representative Don Bacon reintroduced the legislation in response to rising concerns over cyberattacks on the U.S. agri-food sector, which reported 40 cyberattack incidents in the first quarter of 2024.
  • Stakeholders, including the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and the Global Shield, have expressed support for the legislation, citing its importance in ensuring the safe production, distribution, and consumption of American-grown food.
  • The For Country Caucus has also endorsed the legislation, highlighting its investment in research and innovation needed to defend agricultural systems from cyber and biological attacks.

Statistics:

  • 40: The number of cyberattack incidents reported by the U.S. agri-food sector in the first quarter of 2024.
  • 9: The number of meals reported to be between civilization and total anarchy, highlighting the critical importance of food security.
  • $X: The total number of grants to be awarded through the competitive USDA grant program (exact figure not specified).
  • 10 years: The duration of the grant program, ensuring long-term investment in agricultural cybersecurity infrastructure.
  • $Y: The total funding allocated for research and extension activities through the competitive grant program (exact figure not specified).

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives
  • Congressman Don Bacon
  • Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
  • Global Shield
  • The For Country Caucus
  • Representative Ellzey