Precision Agriculture Cybersecurity Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]
- Committees
- Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 16, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to proactively strengthen national food security and agricultural resilience by mandating federal assessments and recommendations to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities in precision agriculture technologies.
What it actually does
This bill mandates two federal reports aimed at enhancing cybersecurity in precision agriculture. The first report, from the Secretaries of Agriculture and Homeland Security, will assess current cyber threats, particularly from foreign countries of concern, identify gaps in U.S. planning, and recommend solutions. The second report, from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), will evaluate inter-agency coordination on this issue and suggest improvements. Both reports are to be publicly available and submitted to relevant congressional committees.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is a critical and timely measure to protect the nation's food supply and agricultural infrastructure from escalating cyber threats, especially from hostile foreign actors. They contend it ensures federal agencies are comprehensively assessing vulnerabilities, coordinating efforts, and developing actionable strategies to safeguard a vital sector of the economy.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that mandating additional reports could create bureaucratic burdens without immediately resolving existing cybersecurity issues, or that federal agencies already possess the authority and ongoing responsibility to address these concerns, rendering new legislation potentially redundant. They may also raise concerns about the potential for overreach or the disclosure of sensitive information in public reports.
The bill is very short and clear, allowing ample time for a thorough evaluation by any interested reader.
Section 3
Joint Agency Report on Cybersecurity in Precision Agriculture Technology
This section requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Homeland Security (through CISA) to prepare and submit a report to Congress within one year. The report must evaluate all cyber-threats to precision agriculture technologies, specifically assessing threats from designated "foreign countries of concern" (China, North Korea, Russia, Iran). It also needs to identify gaps in U.S. cybersecurity planning for this sector, recommend solutions, and review existing funding and staff dedicated to this area within USDA and DHS. A public version will be released, with a classified annex for congressional committees if warranted.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this report is essential for establishing a baseline understanding of the current and evolving cyber threat landscape to precision agriculture, especially given the rising geopolitical tensions and the critical nature of the food supply. It ensures a comprehensive, inter-agency assessment that can inform future policy and resource allocation.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that such a report could inadvertently highlight vulnerabilities to adversaries or that the information gathered might already exist within various intelligence and security agencies, making a new, publicly mandated report redundant or potentially exposing sensitive details.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the need for transparency and public awareness of cyber threats to agriculture versus the risk of providing a roadmap for adversaries by detailing vulnerabilities. It also balances the need for a comprehensive assessment against the bureaucratic effort required.
Section 4
GAO Report on Federal Coordination in Precision Agriculture Cybersecurity
This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States (GAO) to conduct an independent study within one year. The study will assess current coordination and collaboration across the Federal Government on cybersecurity in precision agriculture technologies and develop recommendations to enhance it. It specifically requires an evaluation of the work of the Food and Agriculture Sector Government Coordinating Council (GCC) and the Food and Agriculture Sector Coordinating Council (SCC) and identifies opportunities to strengthen coordination between them. A public version will be released, with a classified annex for congressional committees if warranted.