FARM AI Act of 2026

Bill Number

S. 4627

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Agriculture and Food

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-05-21: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Last Updated

2026-06-10T16:25:49Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of S. 4627: Fostering Agricultural Research and Modernization through Artificial Intelligence Act of 2026 (FARM AI Act of 2026)

Purpose of the Legislation

This bill aims to expand access to artificial intelligence (AI) technologies through Department of Agriculture programs. It seeks to support AI adoption in farming to boost productivity, improve decision-making in crop and animal management, develop precision tools, reduce resource use, aid small and family farms, and help U.S. farmers compete internationally. The legislation also emphasizes technical assistance, education, outreach, and federal coordination for responsible AI use in agriculture, including collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Key Provisions Outlined

• Findings and Sense of Congress: Recognizes AI's potential benefits for farms and rural areas, and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to integrate AI into Department programs and partnerships.
• Amendments to Research and Extension Programs:
• Updates the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) to prioritize AI research for precision agriculture, farm management, cybersecurity, and weather monitoring, plus workforce training in computing systems and machine maintenance.
• Modifies the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA) to include AI system development, deployment, and solutions for farmers and ranchers.
• Expands Cooperative Extension services to cover AI systems, data-driven tools, and outreach on their adoption.
• Enhances education grants to support workforce programs teaching AI implementation, precision agriculture, and related skills.
• Creation of Artificial Intelligence Agriculture Advisor: Establishes a senior official in the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to promote AI adoption through technical assistance, training, partnerships, and interagency coordination. The Advisor must collaborate with the National Institute of Standards and Technology on national AI standards for agriculture.

Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced

• Amends the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157) to add AI as a research priority and include workforce development provisions.
• Updates the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319k and 3152) to incorporate AI in development authorities and education grants.
• Modifies the Act of May 18, 1914 (7 U.S.C. 342) to explicitly include AI and data-driven tools in extension services.
• Adds a new section 237 to the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6941 et seq.) creating the Advisor role, with a conforming amendment to section 296(b).

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Requires updates to USDA research, extension, and education programs; establishes a new advisory position within the National Institute of Food and Agriculture; and mandates coordination with the National Institute of Standards and Technology for standards development.
• On Citizens: Provides rural communities, farmers, and agribusinesses with increased access to AI tools, training, and technical support, potentially benefiting small and family-run operations through precision technologies and data management.
• On International Relations: Aims to strengthen U.S. agricultural competitiveness against global rivals by accelerating AI adoption domestically.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Farmers, ranchers, and small-to-medium family farms.
• Rural communities and the broader food supply chain.
• Agribusinesses seeking to integrate AI technologies.
• Department of Agriculture agencies, particularly the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
• National Institute of Standards and Technology through collaborative standards efforts.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• The bill operates within Congress's authority to regulate agriculture and federal research programs, with no direct alterations to constitutional powers or individual rights.
• It introduces federal guidance on AI standards in a specific sector, potentially setting precedents for interagency collaboration on emerging technologies.
• Emphasis on workforce training and responsible adoption highlights a focus on equitable access without mandating private-sector compliance.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]

Cosponsors (5)

Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE]

Recent Actions

• 2026-05-21: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
• 2026-05-21: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Fostering Agricultural Research and Modernization through Artificial Intelligence Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-21 — PDF (9 pages)