Bill > HR4046

This bill establishes a comprehensive national program to enhance cybersecurity in the agricultural sector by creating five Regional Agriculture Cybersecurity Centers through competitive grants awarded by the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security. These centers will focus on researching, developing, and educating stakeholders about cybersecurity risks and solutions specific to agriculture, including seed production, horticulture, animal agriculture, and the agricultural supply chain. The centers will perform critical functions such as monitoring cybersecurity threats, developing specialized security technologies and tools, creating cybersecurity testbeds for testing and refining solutions, conducting attack and defense exercises, and building educational and training programs for agricultural industry professionals. An eligible entity for these grants must be a college or university with established food, agriculture, and cybersecurity programs that can coordinate with industry partners, government authorities, and other stakeholders. The bill authorizes $25 million in funding annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 and mandates the designation of one college or university to coordinate the national network of centers. The overall goal is to strengthen the cybersecurity resilience and preparedness of the agricultural sector against potential digital threats and vulnerabilities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4046/all-info