NASA and the United States Department of Agriculture sign an agreement on Earth observation for farming

27 October 2026

NASA and the United States Department of Agriculture have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand their cooperation in Earth observation, geospatial analytics and advanced data technologies. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and United States Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins signed the agreement on 24 October 2026 during NASA's Inspiration Tour at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The agreement supports the Department of Agriculture's data modernisation plan. Work under it may cover agricultural statistics, remote sensing science, modelling and geospatial data engineering, and the two agencies will examine how Earth observation data and analytical tools can be aligned with agricultural needs such as crop monitoring, acreage and yield estimates, and drought and disaster assessment. They will also explore new ways of managing large datasets and strengthening the department's data systems. The release does not state the agreement's duration or funding.