Skip to main content
Image
Front of the Capitol building

Feenstra Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Advance Precision Agriculture Technology

June 9, 2021

HULL, Iowa -- Today, Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-04) joined Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA-09) in introducing H.R. 3784, the Advancing Internet of Things (IoT) for Precision Agriculture Act of 2021.

“Bolstering research and development in precision agriculture will help our ag producers improve efficiency and save money by taking a more targeted approach to farming practices. Additionally, investment in precision ag technology reflects an investment in our environment -- helping producers care for our soil and water even more effectively. I am honored to be a part of this effort to further empower the men and women in America’s heartland who feed and fuel the world,” said Rep. Feenstra.

“Rural and agricultural communities face unique challenges when it comes to integrating new technologies into their work,” said Rep. McNerney. “This legislation will invest in much-needed research and development to better understand these circumstances so that we may advance precision ag technology for more efficient and effective use of water and energy resources by our farmers and agricultural workers.”

The Advancing Internet of Things (IoT) for Precision Agriculture Act of 2021 would:

  • Encourage the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support research within portfolio balance on advanced sensing systems and networked systems for agricultural areas
  • Ask the NSF to take into account rural and agricultural environments where there is often unreliable power or wireless signal as these can affect how Internet of Things (IoT) technologies operate in rural settings
  • Expand the definition of “advanced technology” for NSF’s Advanced Technical Education Program (ATE) to ensure inclusion of agricultural related technology
  • Update language in NSF’s grant programs in STEM fields to consider incorporating distance learning
  • Direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to produce a report that provides a technology assessment of precision agriculture innovation and federal programs that support precision agriculture

Click here to read the full text of the bill.

Background

After Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) reintroduced the $93 trillion Green New Deal in April, Rep. Feenstra spoke out against the proposal and helped introduce two bills that would empower farmers and producers: the The Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act, and the Sponsoring USDA Sustainability Targets in Agriculture to Incentivize Natural Solutions (SUSTAINS) Act. The proposals would incentivize public-private partnerships to help expand and implement precision ag technology.

Additionally, Feenstra has been a staunch advocate for expanding broadband access to every last acre of Iowa, noting the important role this would play in precision farm practices.

###

Issues:Agriculture