The U.S. Department of Agriculture is turning to artificial intelligence to help unlock the potential of one of the world's largest collections of agricultural data.
USDA is calling on universities, researchers and private-sector partners to develop new AI tools capable of analyzing the vast amount of germplasm information collected through its Genesis mission and the Agricultural Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA).
Later this year, the agency plans to launch an agricultural National Science and Technology Challenge aimed at encouraging innovators to create practical AI-driven solutions for crop research.
According to USDA, the challenge will focus on tools that can combine multiple sources of information—including images, field observations and laboratory data—to help scientists more quickly identify valuable plant and seed traits. Researchers hope the technology will speed the development of crops that are more resilient to environmental stresses, more productive and better equipped to meet future food demands.
USDA Chief Scientist Dr. Scott Hutchins said collaboration with universities and technology partners will be key to accelerating agricultural discoveries.
"When our partners help us 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," Hutchins said.
The Genesis mission, launched in 2025, is designed to modernize how USDA collects, organizes and uses genetic and biological data from plant germplasm collections. By combining AI with these extensive datasets, the agency hopes to shorten the time it takes researchers to identify beneficial genetic traits and move improved crop varieties from the laboratory to producers' fields.
USDA officials say the upcoming challenge is part of a broader effort to apply emerging technologies to agriculture, improve food security and strengthen the nation's long-term agricultural productivity.