Bill seeks cyber protections for food and agriculture

A bipartisan, bicameral Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act would require the USDA to study cyber threats and vulnerabilities in the food and agriculture sectors every two years and, alongside DHS, HHS, and the DNI, conduct annual cross-sector exercises to test preparedness and response to food-related cyber disruptions. Citing the 2021 JBS ransomware incident as a catalyst, the bill aims to strengthen coordination, information-sharing, and supply chain resilience. The legislation is supported by major agricultural trade groups and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.