Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) introduced the Department of Defense (DOD) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Interagency Research Act.This legislation strengthens America’s agricultural supply chains and overall national security by fostering collaboration between DOD and USDA on high-risk, high-reward research initiatives.

“Southwestern Indiana is known in America for having the unique distinction of being both an important source of our country’s agricultural products, and a major influencer in the national security sphere as the home of the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center,” said Rep. Messmer. “By encouraging collaboration between our nation’s agriculture experts and defense agencies, my DOD and USDA Interagency Research Act underscores the importance of simultaneously addressing critical threats to our food supply and supporting innovation for American farmers while strengthening our nation’s economy.”

The legislation directs the Secretaries of Defense and Agriculture to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate advanced research efforts by modernizing overall procedures and focusing upon protecting the United States agrifood system from emerging domestic and national security threats.

The DOD USDA Interagency Research Act leverages expertise at each agency to focus joint research and development efforts on: 

• Advancing technologies that increase the capacity, efficiency, and security of the agrifood system;
• Strengthening agricultural resilience through plant genetics, biosecurity innovation, and invasive species management;
• Securing domestic bioindustrial manufacturing and agrifood supply chains through innovations with both defense and agricultural applications;
• Enhancing natural resources management to reduce scarcity; and
• Improving natural disaster preparedness and wildfire prevention strategies.

The legislation also promotes collaboration of efforts between federal agencies, national laboratories, nonprofit organizations, and private industry partners to accelerate innovation and bring new technologies to market through public-private partnerships.

“Food security is national security, and safeguarding against future conflicts requires investing in agricultural resilience. Collaboration between the DOD and USDA is essential to building a resilient food system that protects our troops, strengthens rural communities, and secures America’s future,” said Rep. Don Davis.

“A secure food and agriculture system is essential to America’s economic competitiveness and national security. As global threats grow, the United States must continue to lead the world in agricultural innovation and resilience. Congressman Messmer’s DOD and USDA Interagency Research Act strengthens supply chains and advances research that helps farmers and ranchers improve productivity while keeping food affordable for American families,” said Cecilia Fassett, Policy Associate, C3 Solutions.

“American innovation is essential for strengthening national security, promoting agricultural resilience and accelerating technology competitiveness. Reps. Messmer (R-IN) and Davis’ (D-NC) DOD and USDA Interagency Research Act strengthens federal research partnerships for American researchers, farmers and ranchers to get the resources they need to compete globally, while maximizing the return on investment of taxpayer dollars,” said ClearPath Action CEO Jeremy Harrell.

“ACC Action and our thousands of members across the country are proud to support Rep. Mark Messmer’s DOD and USDA Interagency Research Act, which will harness new research cooperation to accelerate American innovation across defense and agriculture, strengthening both national security and farm production. By recognizing that farm security is national security, the bill fosters USDA and Department of Defense collaboration to develop technologies that protect against internal threats to agricultural production, supply chains, and readiness,” said Chris Barnard, President, ACC Action.

“By directing interagency collaboration, this legislation will optimize federal resources spent researching, developing, and deploying agricultural innovations. Strategically prioritizing high-reward research areas—including advanced plant and animal genetics and cutting-edge precision agriculture technologies—will enable joint agency activities to deliver cross-cutting benefits for both military readiness and long-term agricultural productivity. This legislation lays the groundwork necessary to tackle urgent challenges where national security meets food security,” said Emily Bass, Director of Federal Policy for Food & Agriculture at the Breakthrough Institute.

“This bill represents a vital investment in America’s agricultural future. By strengthening collaborative research and providing new opportunities for public and private innovators, it directs resources toward the breakthroughs our producers urgently need to address consumers' dynamic needs. Support for a safer, more resilient, and more competitive agricultural sector benefits American families and bolsters the nation’s food security,” said Andy LaVigne, President & CEO of the American Seed Trade Association.

“The stability of our agriculture sector and its associated supply chains is critical to our national security. We applaud Reps. Mark Messmer (R-IN) and Don Davis (D-NC) for leading this bipartisan effort to ensure proper coordination and resource sharing across U.S. federal agencies,” said Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action).

The bill is also supported by the Indiana Farm Bureau.

To learn more about how Rep. Messmer is advancing agricultural and national security in the House of Representatives, click here.

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