Agriculture is North Carolina’s largest industry—and one of its most vulnerable. As farms and agribusinesses increasingly rely on digital systems, they face growing risks from cyberattacks that can disrupt operations, compromise supply chains, and threaten food security. The AgDefenders Coalition is a collaborative effort to safeguard agriculture from these threats. Our mission is to build resilience across farms, agribusinesses, and the broader food system—helping producers stay productive and secure in today’s digital environment.

• Protect Agricultural Operations: Providing strategies, training, and tools to defend against cyber risks all along the value chain, but especially at the farm level.
• Advance Cybersecurity in Innovation: Strengthening protections for artificial intelligence and machine learning in food and agriculture.
• Support Resilient Communities: Combining research, education, and outreach to prepare for emerging risks and ensure long-term productivity.

The coalition is led by experts who bring unique strengths in community development, applied research, and cybersecurity education:

• Dr. Kenneth Sherin – NC State University, Program Manager for Community & Rural Development, NC State Extension, and Director of the NC Digital Futures Program.
• Laura Rodgers – NC State University, Director of Cybersecurity Practice, Secure Computing Institute, and Director of the NC Partnership for Cybersecurity Excellence (NC-PACE).
• Dr. Ahmad Patooghy – NC A&T State University,  and Director, Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity Research, Education, and Outreach (CREO).

Together, this team positions AgDefenders as a forward-looking coalition that bridges agriculture, technology, and community resilience. Please contact one of these members if you wish to contribute to the AgDefenders Coalition work