Precision Agriculture Cybersecurity Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4794
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-16: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-02T20:28:35Z
AI-Generated Summary
Precision Agriculture Cybersecurity Act (S. 4794)
Purpose
This legislation requires the preparation and submission of reports assessing cybersecurity threats to precision agriculture technologies. It aims to evaluate risks, identify planning gaps, and review federal resources dedicated to this area, with a focus on threats from specified foreign countries.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: The bill defines "foreign country of concern" as the People's Republic of China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. It also defines "precision agriculture technology" as tools and systems—including sensors, software, data networking, and machinery—that support agricultural decision-making through spatial and temporal data.
- USDA and DHS Report: Within one year of enactment, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Homeland Security (acting through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) must prepare a report in coordination with the Food and Agriculture Sector Coordinating Council and the Food and Agriculture-Information Sharing and Analysis Center. The report must evaluate cyber threats to these technologies, assess threats from foreign countries of concern, identify gaps in U.S. cybersecurity planning with recommendations, review existing funding opportunities, and review relevant staff at both departments.
- GAO Study: The Comptroller General of the United States must conduct a study within one year on federal coordination and collaboration regarding cybersecurity in precision agriculture technologies. This includes assessing current efforts, developing recommendations for improvement, evaluating the work of the Food and Agriculture Sector Government Coordinating Council and the Food and Agriculture Sector Coordinating Council, and identifying ways to strengthen their coordination.
- Submission and Publication: Both reports must be made publicly available (without classified information) and submitted to specified congressional committees, with an option for classified annexes in the versions sent to Congress.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces new mandatory reporting requirements for the Departments of Agriculture and Homeland Security, as well as the Government Accountability Office. It does not amend or repeal any existing statutes but establishes a one-time assessment framework focused on cybersecurity in agriculture technologies, including specific attention to foreign threats.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Departments of Agriculture and Homeland Security, along with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, must allocate resources to produce the required report within one year, potentially involving reviews of funding and staffing. The Government Accountability Office will dedicate efforts to its study on interagency coordination.
- On Citizens: Farmers and agricultural businesses using precision agriculture technologies may benefit from increased federal awareness of cyber risks, which could lead to future protections or guidance, though no direct mandates apply to private entities.
- On International Relations: By specifically assessing threats from designated foreign countries of concern, the reports could inform broader policy discussions on technology supply chains and security, without creating new restrictions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal agencies including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and Government Accountability Office.
- Congressional committees on agriculture, foreign relations/affairs, and homeland security.
- Agricultural sector entities such as the Food and Agriculture Sector Coordinating Council and the Food and Agriculture-Information Sharing and Analysis Center.
- Users of precision agriculture technologies, including farmers and agribusinesses.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The legislation emphasizes national security aspects of agricultural technology by highlighting foreign threats, which may influence future policy without altering constitutional authorities. Reports must balance public transparency with provisions for classified information, consistent with standard congressional reporting practices. No direct regulatory changes or enforcement mechanisms are included.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-16: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- 2026-06-16: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Precision Agriculture Cybersecurity Act — issued 2026-06-16 — PDF (7 pages)