Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018

Floor Speech

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Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4881, the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act, as amended, to help improve high-speed broadband access for our Nation's farmers.

I represent the largest farm income-producing district in the State of Ohio; therefore, I am fortunate to visit farms across the region and learn about new technologies, like the Internet of Things equipment, that are helping to improve farm productivity and sustainability.

But the unfortunate reality is that lack of high-speed broadband in rural areas, specifically in farm communities, hinders the use of advanced technologies in agriculture operations. That is why I introduced H.R. 4881, along with my friend, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack).

Our bill would require the Federal Communications Commission to establish a task force, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, to review the connectivity and technology needs of precision agriculture in the United States.

I believe by combining minds from these two expert agencies, along with relevant private stakeholders, the task force will be able to offer tangible solutions that will promote rapid, expanded deployment of broadband in unserved areas, creating a pathway for precision agriculture in our rural farmlands.

The true benefits of precision agriculture cannot be realized without the availability of reliable broadband internet access service. For example, with broadband, farmers can use connected tractors and other advanced technologies to collect field data in realtime to help with crop management. This type of technology helps farmers maximize resources, which can reduce costs and increase crop yields by up to 70 percent by 2050, helping to maintain America's long-term leadership in global food production.

Two farming seasons ago, I drove a tractor with GPS capabilities. My mom was raised on a farm in northwest Ohio, and, early on, my grandfather still used a team of horses. My grandfather would be amazed at how straight the furrows I made that day were, thanks to the connected tractor. I never touched the steering wheel. Because of broadband, the connected tractor was able to go down an entire row, without human control, and place fertilizer in furrows within one inch of where those seeds would be planted in the spring. It is technology like this that helps farmers maximize resources and promote environmentally sustainable practices.

My bill will encourage this type of technology by bringing much- needed broadband to rural, agricultural areas.

Not only do I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4881, but I would also like to quote the support of FCC Commissioner Carr. He said:

In my time on the Commission, I have seen firsthand the difference that broadband connectivity makes for America's farmers and ranchers.

He goes on to say: . . . running agriculture operations today requires expertise in agronomy, technology, and data analytics. Bringing all of those skills together to improve crop yields and efficiency increasingly requires a high-speed broadband connection. So I am pleased to see this bill move forward and hope that it becomes law.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his handling of the bill today, and I urge support of the bill.

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