WASHINGTON, D.C. – The USDA recently announced the launch of an AI (artificial intelligence)-focused challenge designed to improve plant research and help scientists develop stronger crops more efficiently. 

The program will bring together researchers, technology developers, universities, and industry partners to create practical AI solutions for agriculture, the agency said. 

The goal is to help scientists better use the large amount of germplasm data collected through research programs. The USDA added in a July 22 media statement: “Germplasm contains important genetic information that supports plant breeding and the development of improved crop varieties. However, analyzing this information can be complex and time-consuming.”

Through the Genesis Mission and the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA), the USDA said it is expected to launch an Agricultural National Science and Technology Challenge later this year. 

Scott Hutchins, USDA undersecretary for research, education and economics and the agency’s chief scientist, said the Challenge will ask innovators to create practical solutions that pull together different types of information, such as images, field data, and lab results, so scientists can quickly spot important plant and seed traits and develop crops that are more resilient and productive.

“The USDA is taking concrete steps to give scientists the modern tools they need to innovate agricultural solutions from the vast plant data that they collect,” he said. “When our partners help us to solve agricultural challenges by using AI tools, we’ll unlock faster discoveries with germplasm data, and grow better crops that strengthen our food system for many future generations.”

Launched in November 2025, the Genesis Mission is a national effort coordinated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to leverage AI to accelerate scientific discovery, the USDA said. 

“Challenge teams will have access to the American Science and Security Platform, Department of Energy-built shared infrastructure that will connect datasets, scientific instrumentation, and AI tools to accelerate discovery,” the USDA added.

Jason Head, Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association president, told Farm World AI has the potential to be a powerful force for improving the lives and operations of farmers, just like any other industry. However, he added, responsible implementation and development of the technology are “critical for the end result to be positive for rural folks, the land that we steward, and our finite natural resources.”

“We have concerns about the land use required for the data centers undergoing construction across the country on prime farmland, the demands on rural power grids that could drive up prices for residents in rural communities, and the level of consumption of vital farming resources like natural gas and water,” he said. 

“If AI use can be balanced responsibly with all these external factors, we’re interested to see what innovations this technology could bring to the agriculture industry,” he added.

The USDA said more details on the agency’s Agricultural National Science and Technology Challenge regarding AI are forthcoming. The agency said proposing teams are encouraged to read the full Genesis Mission executive order on the White House website, “and bring their best ideas to advance America’s future in germplasm innovation.”