Wicker bill advancing precision farming clears key committee hurdle

A bipartisan bill led by U.S. Rep. Roger Wicker (R-MS) to advance the use of precision farming by identifying and closing broadband connectivity gaps in rural areas was approved by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on April 25.

“Technology is helping American businesses be more efficient, intelligent and cost-effective,” Sen. Wicker, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, said.

“Unfortunately, too many farmers and ranchers are unable to take advantage of advances in precision agriculture because rural areas lack adequate access to high-speed internet networks.” Wicker added that, “the Commerce Committee has taken a positive step toward solving this problem so that our nation’s farms and ranches can utilize these new technologies and provide quality products at the best prices to consumers around the world.”

Sens. Wicker and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018, S. 2343, on Jan. 25, 2018. Cosponsors of the bill include U.S. Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT), Cory Gardner (R-CO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Deb Fischer (R-NE).

The measure would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a task force to assess broadband gaps for cropland and ranchland. It would also require policy recommendations be developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote the use of fixed and mobile broadband in those areas, according to information provided by Wicker’s office.

“We still have work to do to close the digital divide between rural and urban communities,” Sen. Klobuchar said. “In a 21st century economy that demands efficiency, farmers and ranchers are too often unable to take advantage of new technologies due to limited broadband access. This bipartisan legislation will promote broadband deployment and precision agriculture technology to help Minnesota farmers streamline their operations, improve crop yields, and boost their bottom line.”

S. 2343 would also outline steps for the FCC to ensure that farm data is reflected in future broadband infrastructure deployment programs. Additionally, a report on fixed and mobile broadband coverage in rural areas, future connectivity needs and steps to bridge the gap would be required under the bill, Wicker’s staff said.