Some legislators say it’s time to strengthen cybersecurity protections within the food and agriculture critical infrastructure sector by identifying vulnerabilities and improving the protective measures of government and private entities against devastating cyber threats on America’s food supply chain.
U.S. Representatives Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Elissa Slotkin (MI-07) recently introduced H.R. 7062, the Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act.
“Food and farm security is national security,” Rep. Finstad said in a release. “With growing threats at home and abroad, it is increasingly important that we ensure our nation’s agriculture sector and food supply chain remain secure.”
Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
“America’s adversaries are seeking to gain any advantage they can against us — including targeting critical industries like agriculture. Congress must work with the Department of Agriculture to identify and defeat these cybersecurity vulnerabilities. This legislation will ensure we are prepared to protect the supply chains our farmers and all Americans rely on,” said Senator Cotton.
In addition, the Secretary of Agriculture — in coordination with the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services and the director of National Intelligence — must conduct an annual cross-sector crisis simulation for food-related cyber emergencies.
“Cyberattacks can threaten the U.S. food supply and jeopardize America’s national security,” the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) said in Capital Update. “NPPC strongly supports the legislation, as a critical step in protecting the nation’s food supply and American farmers.”
