Hinson Introduces Bipartisan PRECISE Act to Expand Access to Precision Ag Technology

Washington, D.C. - Today, Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) was joined by Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN-01), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), and Angie Craig (D-MN-02) in introducing the Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act.This bipartisan legislation will expand farmers' access to precision agriculture tools through existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.  

"Farmers are the best stewards of their own land and the ultimate conservationists. I’ve seen the benefits of precision agriculture techniques firsthand – this technology is key to increasing crop yields while also lowering input costs and environmental impacts," said Rep. Hinson. “The bipartisan PRECISE Act expands access to these tools through programs our farmers already know and trust. I am proud to champion this critical issue and build bipartisan consensus in support of precision ag as we look toward the 2023 Farm Bill.”

“American farmers are the most efficient producers in the world, thanks to precision agriculture technology,” said Rep. Finstad. “As a farmer who relies on these critical tools to increase production while decreasing input costs, I know firsthand the importance of precision agriculture to maximize crop yields and conservation practices. But far too few agricultural producers have access to this technology, which is why I am proud to help introduce the PRECISE Act, legislation that expands access to the tools necessary for farmers to maximize the full potential of their land."

“As our farmers continue to face many challenges in agriculture, including inflation, drought, limited use of pesticides, lack of labor, and so much more, we must continue to ensure that they have access to as many innovative tools as possible so that they can continue to endure,” said Rep. Panetta. “I’m honored to have worked with Rep. Hinson to introduce bipartisan legislation that will promote precision agriculture by removing cost barriers.  By making it easier for our farmers to access management strategies and tools that can help improve the sustainability of agriculture, we can ensure that America’s farms continue to lead in productivity as well as the protection of our planet.”

“Minnesota’s Second District is home to 4,000 family farms, and they’re who I’m fighting for every day in Congress,” said Rep. Craig. “I’m working with Rep. Hinson to pass this bipartisan legislation because my family farmers deserve the resources and equipment they need to feed our communities.”

Background:

The PRECISE Act incentivizes private sector financing through programs like the Conservation Loan and Guaranteed Loan Programs and increases cost share and practice payments under EQIP and CSP for the purchase of precision agriculture technology. The PRECISE Act will also fund precision agriculture projects through joint participation of conservation cost-share programs and the Conservation Loan Program.

Precision agriculture increases crop yields while lowering overall inputs and environmental impacts. The expansion of affordable precision agriculture technologies and applications have the potential to substantially increase crop yields, improve distribution, and reduce input costs, all while lowering emissions and preventing soil degradation.

The PRECISE Act is supported by the following organizations: Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Iowa Farm Bureau and John Deere.