Feenstra, Valadao offer bipartisan Farm Tech Act

U.S. Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and David Valadao (R-CA) proposed legislation that would spur the development of a federal program to ensure innovative technologies that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) are used responsibly in America’s agriculture industry.

“From precision agriculture to veterinary software, the latest developments in agricultural technology — including artificial intelligence — have the power to lower input costs for farmers, protect the health of livestock and poultry, and make farming operations more efficient,” Rep. Feenstra said. “However, we must be equally active in certifying that these new technologies, products, and processes work as they should and uphold the highest industry standards.” 

Rep. Feenstra on Dec. 14 sponsored the bipartisan Farm Tech Act, H.R. 6806, with original cosponsors Rep. Valadao and U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-IL) to provide for the establishment of a program to certify AI software used in connection with producing agricultural products, according to the text of the bill. 

If enacted, H.R. 6806 would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the program, which would certify the efficacy, legitimacy, and safety of AI software to support cutting-edge agricultural technology, products, and processes, says a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

The program would be based on the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework published earlier this year by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the text says.

“My Farm Tech Act protects our farmers from faulty or misleading technologies by requiring the USDA to verify the legitimacy and effectiveness of agricultural software and other technologies that are increasingly used on farms across Iowa and the United States,” said Rep. Feenstra. “This is a common-sense approach that cements Iowa agriculture’s leading role in feeding and fueling the world and responsibly certifies the validity and efficacy of the latest tools in farm technology.”

Rep. Valadao added that America’s farmers have always been on the cutting edge of implementing new technologies into their operations to increase production and streamline costs.

“As new technology like artificial intelligence becomes more common in our agriculture operations, we need to make sure these new tools are safe for consumers and producers alike,” said Rep. Valadao. “I’m proud to support the Farm Tech Act, which will support our farmers and ensure these important advancements in the industry are being used responsibly.”

The measure has been referred to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee for consideration.