Sen. Banks Introduces Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Food Security and Agricultural Biosecurity Through DoW–USDA Partnership

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced the DoD and USDA Research Act. This bill wouldcodify and expand the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of War (DoW) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen coordination on research to protect America's agriculture supply chain from domestic and foreign threats. Representative Mark Messmer (IN-08) introduced the bill in the House.

Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): "Protecting America's food supply is part of protecting our national security. This bill helps the Defense Department and USDA work together to keep our farms and supply chains safe from foreign and domestic threats."

Chris Barnard, President, ACC Action: "ACC Action and our thousands of members across the country are proud to support Sen. Banks introduction of the DOD and USDA Interagency Research Act, which will strengthen national security and farm production by harnessing research to accelerate American innovation across defense and agriculture. By recognizing that farm security is national security, this bill fosters needed Department of Defense and USDA collaboration to develop technology for farmers and food supply chain to protect against threats to agricultural production, supply chains, and readiness."

Indiana Farm Bureau: "Indiana Farm Bureau is supportive of Sen. Jim Banks' recently introduced Department of Defense (DOD) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Interagency Research Act. This legislation is a natural partnership in developing new ways to preserve what our farmers produce to feed and fuel the world. Food security is national security, and any collaboration or innovation that aides in protecting our country's food supply should remain a priority."

Key Provisions of the DoD and USDA Interagency Research Act:

• Directs DoW and USDA research to strengthen America's food supply and critical supply chains against foreign adversaries, biological threats, and supply chain disruptions.
• Directs research on AI, biotechnology, drones, and precision agriculture to strengthen the defense industrial base, expand domestic production of critical agricultural materials, and improve preparedness against threats to America's food supply and military readiness without new spending.

Indiana Farm Bureau and American Conservation Coalition (ACC) Action have endorsed this legislation.

Read the full bill text here.

Background:

Secretaries Hegseth and Rollins signed a DoW-USDA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to elevate American agriculture as a key element of national security. This effort aligns with President Trump's "Food Security is National Security" Action Plan, which emphasizes safeguarding the U.S. food system as a core component of national defense and resilience.

A healthy and secure food supply is vital to economic stability and national security. Invasive pests, livestock disease, and biosecurity gaps can disrupt food production and weaken supply chains. These vulnerabilities also affect the defense industrial base, which relies on foreign sources for key bio-based feedstocks and materials used in fuels and propellants.

At the same time, the People's Republic of China (PRC) is expanding its capabilities in biotechnology, agricultural genetics, and bio-industrial production, framing these sectors as instruments of geopolitical competition. China is positioning these capabilities to exploit vulnerabilities in the U.S. food system and disrupt critical supply chains. Food security is national security, and stronger coordination between America's defense and agriculture sectors will help ensure America controls the future of our critical industries, not China.