WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Wednesday morning, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Farm Security Action Plan (PDF Version).
The agreement formalizes coordination between the two departments to address security concerns affecting U.S. agriculture.
Rollins spoke on the partnership between the USDA and the Department of War during the signing:
“Our very first action to implement the MOU will be through a new partnership between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the USDA’s chief scientist,” Rollins said. “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.”
Rollins also announced that the USDA is creating a new division, the Office of Research, Economic and Science Security, to coordinate research security throughout USDA. Rollins says today’s memorandum would ensure America’s farms, food supply, and research institutes remain secure and resilient.
Watch the joint press conference on YouTube:
