To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish centers of excellence for agricultural security research, extension, and education, and for other purposes.
This bill establishes a comprehensive agricultural security program aimed at protecting American food and farming systems from various threats. The legislation directs the Secretary of Agriculture to create centers of excellence at universities and agricultural institutions to conduct research, education, and outreach in four key areas: biosecurity and cybersecurity, agricultural engineering and biosystems, digital agriculture with artificial intelligence, and foreign animal diseases. These centers will operate through five-year renewable awards and must coordinate with federal agencies, state governments, industry groups, and other partners to avoid duplication and improve efficiency. The bill also establishes a separate competitive grant program to support research and education activities at eligible institutions like state agricultural stations, colleges, and research organizations focused on protecting the food system from chemical, biological, cybersecurity, and bioterrorism threats. The legislation authorizes ten million dollars annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 for each program component, and requires the Secretary of Agriculture to submit annual reports detailing projects, funding, participating institutions, and intellectual property outcomes.
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