H.R.1985 - Promoting Precision Agriculture Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1985, the Promoting Precision Agriculture Act, aims to enhance the adoption of precision agriculture techniques in the United States. It directs the Secretary of Agriculture to develop interconnectivity standards and best practices for precision agriculture, in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Federal Communications Commission. The bill also mandates a GAO assessment of these standards to evaluate their effectiveness and impact.
Expected Effects
The Act is likely to increase the use of technology in agriculture by creating standardized guidelines. This could lead to more efficient farming practices and reduced waste. The GAO assessment will provide data on the effectiveness of the standards, potentially leading to further adjustments and improvements in the future.
Potential Benefits
- Increased efficiency in agricultural practices through optimized resource use.
- Reduced waste of resources like water, fertilizer, and chemicals.
- Potential for higher crop yields and improved livestock management.
- Promotion of U.S. leadership in agricultural technology standards.
- Enhanced data collection and analysis for better decision-making in farming.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs for farmers to adopt new technologies and standards.
- Concerns about data privacy and security in agricultural operations.
- Risk of increased reliance on technology, making agriculture vulnerable to cyberattacks.
- Possible displacement of traditional farming methods and jobs.
- The definition of 'trusted' could be used to discriminate against certain companies.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It promotes economic activity (agriculture) and technological advancement, which can be argued as contributing to the overall well-being of the nation. There are no apparent infringements on individual rights or limitations on state powers.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).