Farm security is national security. This was the central theme at the 2026 Agricultural Outlook Forum, where federal leaders discussed the USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan. The plan involves a massive interagency effort at the federal, state, and local levels to protect the nation’s agricultural sector from modern threats.
A Unified Federal Front Matt Allen, Director of the USDA Office of Homeland Security, emphasized that while different agencies have various stakeholders and interests, there is a shared belief that protecting U.S. agriculture protects the United States from its adversaries. Because modern agriculture is highly technical and sophisticated, Allen noted the necessity of these partnerships to share information regarding security vulnerabilities and to develop technical solutions for farm-based challenges.
Broadening Expertise in Agricultural Investment The shift toward a more digital farm means the “expert” profile is changing. Joe Pauloski, Staff Chair for the Treasury Department’s Committee on Foreign Investment, explained that investigating agriculture-related investments now requires more than just an ag background.
Pauloski highlighted the need for data scientists to understand how much data is being trained on algorithms to deduce what works and what doesn’t in the field. This level of scrutiny isn’t limited to AI and biotech; it extends to advanced manufacturing and robotics within the sector.
Data Integrity as a Research Priority: Protecting technology and data is just as vital as protecting soil and water. Dr. Kate Sixt, Executive Director of USDA’s Office of the Chief Scientist, raised critical questions about data security and transparency. She noted that as the industry makes more data available for collective use, it is imperative to know where that data is going, how companies are utilizing it, and the security of the components used in automation and mechanization.
Building Global Resilience According to Isaac Dietrich with the USDA’s Office of Homeland Security, the mission also requires reliable global partnerships. The goal is to build a resilient system that ensures both the U.S. and its international partners have the resources needed to continue producing at the farm level.
As agriculture continues to advance, the focus on securing the data and technology behind the food supply remains a top priority for national stability.
