Feenstra Touts Pro-Innovation Policies that Empower Farmers
WASHINGTON -- After Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) reintroduced the $93 trillion Green New Deal on Tuesday, Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-04) spoke out against Washington politicians attempting to force burdensome regulation on Iowa farmers. He also highlighted commonsense, pro-innovation policies that would empower farmers and producers.
Feenstra is a cosponsor of two proposals that aim to incentivize public-private partnerships and encourage the use of precision ag technology: The Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act, led by Rep. Ashley Hinson (IA-01) and the Sponsoring USDA Sustainability Targets in Agriculture to Incentivize Natural Solutions (SUSTAINS) Act, led by House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Glenn Thompson (PA-15).
“Iowa farmers are good stewards of their land, and Washington politicians should not be telling our farmers how to operate -- period. That’s why I’m honored to support the PRECISE Act and the SUSTAINS Act, commonsense policies that empower our farmers and producers by incentivizing public-private partnerships and encouraging the use of precision ag technology. Iowa farmers stand ready and willing to utilize innovative solutions that will increase yields and result in cleaner water, soil, and air,” said Rep. Feenstra.
Click here to watch Feenstra’s full video
Background:
The Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act leverages incentives for the adoption of costly precision agriculture technology by increasing cost share and practice payments for the purchase of precision agriculture equipment and systems; incentivizing private sector financing of precision agriculture equipment through the Conservation Loan Guarantee Program and the Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program; and funding 100 percent of precision agriculture projects through joint participation of conservation cost-share programs and the Conservation Loan Program.
The Sponsoring USDA Sustainability Targets in Agriculture to Incentivize Natural Solutions (SUSTAINS) Act encourages private sector funding of USDA conservation initiatives. This bill authorizes specific accounts at USDA that allow for private sector donations and incentives, and it allows the USDA to administer the conservation initiatives with current scientific practice standards, proven conservation programs, and trusting relationships with farmers.
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