Sen. Tom Cotton Wants To Protect America's Vital Food Supply Chain From Cyber Threats

The proposed legislation, dubbed the Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act, is designed to enhance the security of both government and private entities against cyber threats.

"America’s adversaries are seeking to gain any advantage they can against us – including targeting critical industries like agriculture," Cotton stated. He emphasized the need for Congress to collaborate with the Department of Agriculture to identify and overcome these cybersecurity vulnerabilities. "This legislation will ensure we are prepared to protect the supply chains our farmers and all Americans rely on," he added.

The bill, if approved, will necessitate biennial cybersecurity studies on agriculture and food sectors and mandate the reporting of findings to Congress. It also calls for an annual cross-sector crisis simulation for food-related cyber emergencies, involving multiple government agencies.

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Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., a co-sponsor of the bill, stated that safeguarding farms and food security against cyberattacks "is a vital component of our national security."

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The proposed legislation has already garnered support from several agricultural groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, North American Millers Association, National Grain and Feed Association, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Pork Producers Council, USA Rice, and Agricultural Retailers Association.

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In the House, companion legislation will be introduced by Republican Rep. Brad Finstad of Minnesota and Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan.

Earlier this month, the Aliquippa water authority in western Pennsylvania fell victim to an international cyberattack, along with other U.S. water utilities. Federal authorities attributed the attack to Iranian-backed hackers who targeted a specific piece of equipment because it was Israeli-made.

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Officials warn of the risk of hackers gaining control of automated equipment to shut down pumps supplying drinking water or contaminating drinking water by reprogramming automated chemical treatments. Besides Iran, other potentially hostile geopolitical rivals, including China, are perceived by U.S. officials as threats.

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Last year, agricultural giant Dole revealed to federal regulators the impact of a ransomware attack, a specific type of cyberattack that uses malware to lock a victim's information until a ransom payment is made, costing the company $10.5 million.