H.R. 7153: Agriculture and National Security Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Agriculture and National Security Act of 2026, aims to enhance the relationship between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and national and homeland security agencies. The primary focus is on ensuring that food and agriculture, which are critical to national security, are adequately protected against vulnerabilities, especially in light of emerging technologies.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Prioritization of National Security: The bill mandates that the USDA prioritize national security alongside its existing homeland security responsibilities. This includes increasing the number of USDA staff with security clearances.
• Appointment of Senior Advisor for National Security: The Secretary of Agriculture will create a new position called Senior Advisor for National Security within the USDA. This individual will act as the principal advisor to the Secretary on national security matters related to agriculture, serving as a liaison between the USDA and other federal agencies, and coordinating national security efforts within the department.
• Interagency Cooperation: The bill allows the Secretary of Agriculture to collaborate with defense and security agencies by providing and accepting personnel to enhance vulnerability identification and risk mitigation efforts in the food and agriculture sector.
• Biennial Reporting Requirement: The Secretary must submit reports every two years to Congress and the National Security Council, assessing national security gaps related to food and agriculture. This includes evaluating foreign influences, cybersecurity risks, and the impacts of supply chain disruptions.

Areas of Focus for Vulnerability Assessment

The reports will specifically look at the following aspects:

• Influence of foreign state-owned enterprises;
• Control and access to agricultural data;
• Foreign acquisition of U.S. agricultural assets, intellectual property, and land;
• Dependence on foreign-sourced agricultural inputs and potential shortages;
• Disruptions in supply chains and trade;
• Collaboration in science and technology;
• Cybersecurity threats and the role of artificial intelligence;
• Investment disparities in agricultural research and development;
• Regulatory challenges;
• Other vulnerabilities, particularly concerning emerging technologies.

Overall Objective

The overarching goal of the bill is to strengthen national security by addressing vulnerabilities in the food and agriculture sectors through coordinated efforts among various government agencies, ensuring that the agriculture infrastructure is resilient against both current and future threats.

Relevant Companies

• CARG - Cargo Logistics and agricultural technology companies may be impacted due to increased scrutiny and potential changes to regulations regarding data and supply chains.
• DE - Deere & Company may face implications on its agricultural machinery and technology operations relevant to national security assessments.
• BAYRY - Bayer AG, a major player in agriculture and biotechnology, could see changes in oversight or regulations concerning its products and data management.