USDA and Department of War Sign MOU Advancing National Farm Security Action Plan
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing their departments to collaborate on implementing the National Farm Security Action Plan. The agreement marks a significant step in elevating American agriculture as a central component of national security.
The National Farm Security Action Plan, first announced in July 2025, was described as “elevating American agriculture as a key element of national security for the first time in history.” The newly signed USDA MOU formalizes coordination between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of War to strengthen agricultural security and resilience.
In remarks prior to signing the agreement, Secretary Rollins emphasized the importance of the partnership.
“Today I’m excited to announce that we are taking our National Farm Security Action Plan to the next level by pairing USDA’s agricultural expertise with the Department of War’s innovation and security capabilities,” Rollins said.
She added, “In just a few minutes, Secretary Hegseth and I will sign a Memorandum of Understanding that paves the way for additional collaboration between the Department of War and the United States Department of Agriculture.”
DARPA and USDA Chief Scientist Partnership
The first action under the new MOU will involve a partnership between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the USDA Chief Scientist. This collaboration is designed to address emerging threats and strengthen protections for American agriculture.
According to Rollins, the partnership will focus on three primary objectives:
First, the sharing of information regarding security vulnerabilities in agriculture.
Second, collaboration to develop novel technological solutions to American agriculture’s biggest challenges.
Third, the exchange of personnel to ensure both departments are well-equipped to protect American agriculture.
By leveraging DARPA’s advanced research and innovation capabilities alongside USDA’s agricultural expertise, the agreement aims to improve preparedness, identify risks, and deploy cutting-edge solutions across the food and farming sectors.
The National Farm Security Action Plan represents a broader federal effort to integrate farm security into the nation’s overall defense strategy. With this new USDA and Department of War collaboration, agricultural infrastructure, food supply chains, and farm operations are positioned to receive increased protection and strategic attention as part of U.S. national security priorities.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.