Greenville Reporter

On National Agriculture Day, Representatives Don Davis (NC-01) and Tracey Mann (KS-01) introduced bipartisan legislation to establish standards for precision agriculture technology that will help growers find new ways to feed America.

The House Agriculture Committee favorably reported and unanimously passed the bill during May 11 markup, sending a strong sign of momentum toward getting this legislation before the House for a vote on final passage.

Representative Davis: “We must ensure our growers have access to the cutting-edge precision agriculture technologies necessary to do what they do best: feed America.”

Representative Mann: “Precision agriculture is a critical tool for agricultural producers as they work tirelessly to feed, fuel, and clothe the world.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On National Agriculture Day, Representatives Don Davis (NC-01) and Tracey Mann (KS-01) introduced H.R. 1697, the Promoting Precision Agriculture Act. The bill would establish a partnership between the federal government and the private sector to create voluntary interconnectivity standards and prioritize the cybersecurity needs for precision agriculture technologies. Precision agriculture includes robotics, sensors, monitors, drones, etc., to help growers increase efficiency, potentially boosting crop yields while lowering costs. The legislation was considered during May 11 House Agriculture Committee markup, indicating that the bill will head to the House Floor for a full vote. 

“The agricultural community is the backbone of eastern North Carolina, and precision agriculture helps our farmers to be successful, profitable, and productive,” said Congressman Davis. “We must ensure our growers have access to the cutting-edge precision agriculture technologies necessary to do what they do best: feed America. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will deliver wins for rural America.”

“Precision agriculture is a critical tool for agricultural producers as they work tirelessly to feed, fuel, and clothe the world,” said Congressman Mann. “Technological advancement has helped producers improve crop yields and make informed management decisions, but new technology brings new challenges. The Promoting Precision Agriculture Act will ensure that producers have a seat at the table when Congress establishes new precision agriculture standards.”

"There is already a strong history of standards driving innovation to users of agricultural technology. The capabilities of modern agricultural equipment are built on pre-competitive standards that allow equipment from different manufacturers to communicate with each other and move data," said Dr. Rich Bonanno, director of NC State Extension and associate dean for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State University. "Extending that success reduces barriers to the adoption of robotics, UAVs, sensors and other technologies that can improve productivity, financial stability, and stewardship across animal and plant agricultural sectors. This bill can help speed the development and adoption of data standards that spur continued innovation that supports North Carolina farms and rural communities."

To read the full text of the bill, click here. 

Original source can be found here.