Alabama A&M University President Daniel K. Wims testified before Congress recently, urging lawmakers to strengthen America’s agricultural defenses against emerging threats. If they lose a season, they essentially lose the means to support their families and maintain their farms,” he said. “The challenge with us is being able to marry the agricultural sciences and research extension agents with our computer scientists and those professionally prepared in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. “We need systems in place – artificial intelligence, cybersecurity – to protect not just production but also the distribution, dissemination, and storage of food,” Wims said. “I am grateful to Dr. Wims for his participation in our hearing, marking the first time in Alabama A&M University’s history that a president has appeared before Congress,” Strong said.