Breakthrough Institute Endorses Agriculture and National Security Interagency Research Bill

Washington, DC — February 22, 2026 — The Breakthrough Institute is pleased to support the Department of Defense (DOD) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Interagency Research Act. Thanks to the leadership of Representatives Mark Messmer (R-IN) and Don Davis (D-NC), this legislation will facilitate improved coordination on research activities between the Departments of Defense and Agriculture.

The legislation directs DOD and USDA to explore collaborative research opportunities not only on agricultural defense and biosecurity, but also on topics including plant, animal, and microbial genetics, invasive species management, and weather resiliency. These research efforts are crucial to ensuring the U.S. food supply remains secure, abundant, and globally competitive.

If passed, this legislation would codify and build upon the framework set out in the recently signed MOU between the two agencies. Importantly, this legislation would authorize the agencies to distribute grants through both USDA’s Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority and DOD’s Research and Engineering enterprise to facilitate research partnerships dedicated to joint areas of interest.

"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,” said Emily Bass, Director of Federal Policy for Food & Agriculture at the Breakthrough Institute. “This legislation lays the groundwork necessary to tackle urgent challenges where national security meets food security."

###

Media Contact:

Emily Bass

Director of Federal Policy, Food and Agriculture

emily@thebreakthrough.org