Strengthening Food Safety: The Reintroduction of the Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act to Shield Our Food Supply Chain from Cyber Threats

Lawmakers in the U.S. have brought back the Farm and Food Cybersecurity legislation. This act aims to protect our food supply chain by pinpointing cybersecurity weaknesses in agriculture. It also seeks to enhance protective measures against cyber threats for both government and private sectors. Major organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and the American Farm Bureau Federation support this initiative.

The bill was introduced in the House by Representatives Brad Finstad from Minnesota, Jill Tokuda from Hawaii, Don Bacon from Nebraska, and Sharice Davids from Kansas. Senators Tom Cotton from Arkansas and Elissa Slotkin from Michigan are backing similar legislation in the Senate.

Initially launched by Congressman Finstad in January 2024, parts of this legislation found their way into the House Agriculture Committee’s Farm Bill, known as the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024.

This act requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a cybersecurity threat assessment every two years. They must report findings to Congress, helping lawmakers stay informed about potential risks in the agriculture and food sectors. It also mandates an annual crisis simulation exercise to prepare for food-related cyber emergencies, involving the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services, along with the Director of National Intelligence.

Finstad emphasized the importance of this bill, stating that as agriculture becomes more advanced with technology, it also faces more cyber challenges. He believes that food security is a matter of national security, and the legislation will help protect our food supply from potential cyber threats.

Tokuda echoed these sentiments, stressing that cyberattacks can affect everyone, especially as many families struggle with food costs and insecurity. She aims to identify and address vulnerabilities in our food supply chain.

Bacon highlighted Nebraska’s role in agriculture, noting that the state’s farmers and ranchers are essential to the economy and feed the nation. He pointed out the recent Russian cyberattack on JBS, which disrupted operations nationwide, underscoring the need for protective measures for our food supply.

Davids remarked that cyber threats harm not just farmers but everyone who relies on a stable food supply. She emphasized the economic implications and urged for the strengthening of defenses against these cyberattacks.

Cotton warned that adversaries are always seeking ways to target critical industries, including agriculture. He believes that this legislation is vital to ensure the security of our food supply chains.

Slotkin also reinforced the connection between food security and national security. She insisted on the need for both private and government sectors to work together against constant cyber threat to our food supply.

Matthew Eggers from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce praised the Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act for its potential to protect millions of farms and businesses that significantly contribute to the nation’s economy. He emphasized the importance of analyzing risks and conducting exercises to safeguard the sector.

Supporting this legislative effort, the Operational Technology Cybersecurity Coalition highlighted the need for collaboration between public and private entities to enhance the nation’s food and agricultural resilience against cyber threats.

Recently, the Food and Ag-ISAC published a report revealing that 90% of cyber threats in the agriculture sector use common tools or techniques. The report also indicated high instances of spear-phishing attempts and customized malware in attacks against organizations.

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