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:
We will continue to follow what this agreement means for farmers and ranchers. Stay with RFD NEWS for additional coverage throughout the day on the Market Day Report and tonight on the Rural Evening News.
Texas livestock producers face a heightened biosecurity threat as New World screwworm detections in northern Mexico coincide with FDA approval of the first topical treatment.
December 05, 2025 11:27 AM
·
“The Expanding Access to Risk Protection (EARP) Final Rule streamlines requirements across multiple crops, responds to producer feedback, and strengthens USDA’s commitment to putting America’s farmers first,” said the USDA.
December 05, 2025 10:49 AM
Rep. Michelle Fischbach shares her appreciation for rural communities and outlines how the Working Families Tax Cut is aimed to support farm families on RFD-TV’s Champions of Rural America.
December 04, 2025 01:31 PM
·
While the 2018 Farm Bill received an extension under the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act, the National Pork Producers Council wants lawmakers to do more to support the sector.
December 04, 2025 11:27 AM
·
Buying a real Christmas tree directly supports U.S. farmers facing rising import competition, long production cycles, and weather-driven risks.
December 04, 2025 11:02 AM
·
WTO gauges point to agricultural raw materials trade growing more slowly than overall goods, reinforcing the need to manage export risk and monitor policy shifts closely.
December 03, 2025 03:46 PM
·
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined us to break down what telehealth entails and which conditions can be managed through remote appointments.
December 03, 2025 02:17 PM
·
Improved export prospects and higher crop prices strengthened future expectations despite continued caution about spending.
December 03, 2025 01:52 PM
·
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.
December 03, 2025 01:36 PM
·
