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Watch the Full Testimony
Read Congresswoman Hinson's Written Statement:
“Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Thompson, Members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to attend Member Day and offer ideas and solutions for challenges faced by the agriculture sector in Iowa, as well as issues facing our rural communities.
"Last month, I introduced the PRECISE Act, legislation that would make it easier for farmers to access precision agriculture technology by allowing existing Farm Bill USDA programs to cover precision ag tech. This legislation presents a farmer-focused solution to very real challenges, and I hope it will gain bipartisan support. I have heard from Iowans across the ag industry about how precision agriculture technology is key to increasing crop yields, while simultaneously lowering overall inputs, frontend costs to farmers, and environmental impacts. However, it is also extremely expensive to start using this technology, making it out of reach for many family farmers.
"The PRECISE Act would expand access to this technology, including tools to connect rural broadband for producers using these innovative practices. We should harness the knowledge and experience within the agriculture community to provide innovative solutions to the environmental stewardship. Farmers don’t just deserve to be at the table because these policies impact them – they should be central to the discussion because they have valuable ideas and solutions that bureaucrats who have never set foot on a farm could never imagine.
"I hope we can work together to advance policies like the PRECISE Act that encourage farmers, producers, and rangers to innovate. Farmers in the heartland have solutions to more problems than just feeding the world – they help fuel it, too, through biofuel production. Biofuels are on-hand and available now to have a dramatic impact on the nation’s fuel supply, improving energy security and minimizing environmental outputs at the same time. As we’ve seen over the last few weeks, our fuel supply is volatile and can be subject to national security threats. Why not turn to our own Iowa producers right now? It is critical that this committee hold the EPA accountable to maintain the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard to maximize the benefit of biofuels.
"Before I close, I want to discuss the lack of access and connectivity that many rural Iowans and Americans face each day. Rural Iowans deserve equitable access to essential services like broadband and health care, as well as rural community development and economic opportunity. Rural communities cannot continue to be left behind – their voices matter, their stories are important, and I look forward to working with you all to ensure that they are heard as we legislate here in Congress.
"Finally, I urge this committee to take up the PRECISE Act, along with other legislation that will support Iowa’s farmers, ranchers, and biofuel producers, and I stand ready to work with this Committee to support our agriculture sector."
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