FARM AI Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Budd, Ted [R-NC]
Introduced
Summary
Centralize AI leadership at USDA. This bill would make artificial intelligence a formal priority across USDA research, extension, and training programs and would create an Artificial Intelligence Agriculture Advisor to coordinate adoption and set standards with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
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- Farmers and ranchers would gain federal support to develop and deploy AI tools for precision agriculture, farm and animal system management, weather monitoring, resource management, and cybersecurity.
- Rural communities and workers would see new workforce development and technical training programs focused on implementing AI computing systems, adopting precision agriculture, and maintaining machinery for small farms.
- Researchers, Cooperative Extension, and education programs would get explicit authority to fund AI research and deployment through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), AgARDA, and grants and fellowships, and USDA would build coordination tools and producer networks to spread AI best practices.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
USDA AI advisor and Extension help
If enacted, the Secretary would designate a senior NIFA official as an Artificial Intelligence Agriculture Advisor. The Advisor would coordinate USDA AI work, advise the Secretary, and work with NIST to develop national AI standards for agriculture. Cooperative Extension would be required to teach producers and rural communities about AI and data-driven farm tools. A conforming amendment would let the Secretary use explicit authority to carry out the Advisor role. These authorities would take effect upon enactment and apply in each State, DC, and U.S. territory.
Allow AgARDA to deploy farm AI
If enacted, AgARDA's authorized role would explicitly cover both development and deployment of artificial intelligence systems and research tools. The change would let AgARDA develop AI solutions for farmers and ranchers and add the word "deployment" to its scope. This broader authority would take effect upon enactment.
Grants and training for farm AI
If enacted, federal research grants would explicitly cover artificial intelligence for precision farming, crop management, weather, and cybersecurity. AFRI grants would get a new category to fund workforce development and technical training on computing and AI, precision adoption, and machine maintenance. Colleges and rural groups could get new teaching grants and fellowships to train people in AI systems and precision agriculture. These changes would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Budd, Ted [R-NC]
NC • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 5/21/2026
Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN]
IN • R
Sponsored 5/21/2026
Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
NV • D
Sponsored 5/21/2026
Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]
SD • R
Sponsored 5/21/2026
Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE]
DE • D
Sponsored 5/21/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov