Fischer proposes bipartisan bill to spur scientific R&D in precision agriculture

Bipartisan legislation sponsored on April 27 by U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) aims to advance Internet of Things (IoT) technology for precision agriculture. 

“Precision agriculture systems gather important sensor data that can help ag producers do their jobs. However, unreliable signal connectivity or power can restrict Nebraska farmers and ranchers from reliably using this new technology,” Sen. Fischer said. “My new legislation will ensure that research and development consider the unique circumstances facing rural and ag communities.”

Sen. Fischer on Tuesday introduced the Advancing IoT for Precision Agriculture Act of 2021, S. 1395, with original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to promote scientific R&D opportunities for connected technologies that advance precision agriculture capabilities, according to the text of the bill.

If enacted, S. 1395 would encourage National Science Foundation (NSF) support for research on advanced sensing systems for rural and agricultural areas, taking into account rural and agricultural environments where there may often be unreliable signal connectivity or power that can affect how connected IoT technologies operate in such settings, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Fischer’s office.

Additionally, the bill would expand the definition of “advanced technology” for NSF’s Advanced Technical Education Program to ensure the inclusion of agriculture-related technology, and update language in NSF’s associate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields to consider applications that incorporate distance learning into the curriculum, the summary says.

CropX, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Merck Animal Health Intelligence, and Lindsay Corp. endorsed the measure, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.