U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) on Nov. 19 proposed bipartisan legislation that would expand farmers’ access to precision agriculture tools, which have the potential to substantially increase crop yields, improve distribution, and reduce input costs while lowering emissions and preventing soil degradation.
“Farmers are the best conservationists and stewards of their land,” Rep. Hinson said. “I’ve seen the impact of precision agriculture firsthand in Iowa, and this technology is essential to boosting crop yields while reducing input costs and environmental impacts.”
The congresswoman sponsored the Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act, H.R. 6143, alongside three original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA).
If enacted, H.R. 6143 would incentivize private-sector financing through existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs like the Conservation Loan and Guaranteed Loan Programs, and increase cost share and practice payments under other specific USDA programs for the purchase of precision agriculture technology.
Additionally, the bill would fund precision agriculture projects through joint participation of conservation cost-share programs and the Conservation Loan Program, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Hinson’s staff.
“The bipartisan PRECISE Act will expand access to these proven tools through programs our farmers know and trust,” said Rep. Hinson, “and I’m proud to continue championing this critical issue as we look to get the next Farm Bill across the finish line for Iowa farmers.”
Rep. Panetta noted that farmers across the nation are currently facing difficult challenges, including inflation, tariffs, labor challenges, burdensome regulations, shrinking markets, and Mother Nature.
“Our bipartisan legislation to help them with the investment, education, and application of technology in their everyday work is the least that we can do to lessen the many burdens of agriculture production,” he said.
H.R. 6143 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.