H.R.3211 - Precision Agriculture Loan Program Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3211, the Precision Agriculture Loan Program Act of 2025, aims to amend the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 by establishing a loan program to encourage the adoption of precision agriculture. This program would provide financial assistance to producers for purchasing precision agriculture equipment. The bill defines 'precision agriculture' and 'precision agriculture equipment,' outlines eligibility criteria for producers, sets loan terms and amounts, and mandates reporting requirements.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would likely increase the use of precision agriculture technologies among crop and livestock producers. This could lead to improved efficiency, reduced waste, and enhanced environmental quality in agricultural practices. The reporting requirements would also provide data on the program's impact and demographics of participating producers.
Potential Benefits
- Increased efficiency in agricultural production through the adoption of precision technologies.
- Reduced waste of resources like water, fertilizer, and chemicals.
- Improved environmental quality due to more precise application of inputs.
- Potential for increased profitability for farmers through optimized resource use.
- Data collection and reporting to track the program's effectiveness and inform future policy decisions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased debt burden on farmers if loans are not managed effectively.
- Risk that smaller farms may not be able to meet the eligibility requirements.
- Administrative costs associated with establishing and managing the loan program.
- Possible unintended consequences of technology adoption, such as job displacement in some agricultural sectors.
- Dependence on specific technologies, potentially creating vulnerabilities if those technologies become obsolete or unavailable.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution (Preamble), which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the well-being of the nation. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. This bill falls under the umbrella of promoting general welfare by supporting agricultural practices.
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).