This bill, the FARM AI Act of 2026, directs the Department of Agriculture to increase access to artificial intelligence (AI) through its research, extension, and education programs. It adds AI as a priority area in existing research grant programs (AFRI) and in the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA). The bill updates Cooperative Extension language to include AI systems and data-driven tools and adds workforce development and technical training focused on computing systems, AI, precision agriculture, and machine maintenance to education and fellowship programs.
The bill also creates a new position, the Artificial Intelligence Agriculture Advisor, to be a senior official from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The Advisor must promote AI adoption in each State, provide technical assistance and training, coordinate Department programs, develop producer networks, and work with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop and implement national AI standards for agriculture.
Other provisions include directing outreach to small farms, promoting precision agriculture and data-driven farm management, and updating Department authorities to carry out the new advisor role.
No publicly available information on specific funding amounts, appropriations, or new budget lines is included in the bill text provided.
The bill's findings state that AI can improve farm productivity and security; enhance decision-making in crop and animal systems; enable precision technologies; reduce resource use; expand economic opportunities for small, medium, and family-run farms; and help U.S. farmers compete internationally. Supporters also say that rural communities and the food supply chain benefit from technical assistance, education, and outreach, and that federal guidance and coordination can accelerate responsible AI adoption in agriculture.
No publicly available information on opponents' views or official objections is included in the bill text provided.