Memorandum of Understanding signed to align USDA’s ongoing data modernization efforts with NASA
In a landmark effort to strengthen data quality and bolster technological tools for American farmers and ranchers, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Effective immediately, the agreement aligns USDA’s ongoing data modernization efforts with NASA’s cutting-edge Earth observation, geospatial analytics, and statistical methodologies.
The collaboration aims to leverage satellite observations and advanced technology to enhance yield estimation, monitor crop performance, and boost profitability across the agricultural sector. Rooted in longstanding cooperation between the two organizations, the new push was inspired by Executive Order 14369, “Ensuring American Space Superiority,” issued in December 2025 by President Trump.
Under the agreement, joint initiatives will encompass regular technical exchanges to match statistical needs with satellite data, scalable cloud infrastructure and APIs for data delivery, and combined reviews of crop condition algorithms and risk assessment models. This collaboration directly supports the USDA Data Modernization Plan, working to reduce producer burdens while providing accurate and timely insights.
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