The government isn’t ready for cyber chaos in the food and agriculture sector

This report examines the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s limited readiness to address escalating cybersecurity risks in the food and agriculture sector, detailing underfunding, organizational and cultural gaps in its Sector Risk Management Agency role, and missed opportunities for outreach. It highlights potential impacts from ransomware, manipulation of food safety and animal health data, and disruptions to precision agriculture and logistics, while noting increased federal attention through exercises, legislation, and interagency support. The piece urges urgent investment and leadership engagement to prevent future disruptions akin to the 2021 JBS ransomware incident.