WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) introduced the Farm Tech Act, which would have the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) establish a program to certify the efficacy, legitimacy, and safety of software that utilizes Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to support cutting-edge agricultural technology, products, and processes.
The program would be based on the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology earlier this year.
U.S. Reps. David Valadao (R-CA) and Eric Sorensen (D-IL) are original cosponsors.
“From precision agriculture to veterinary software, the latest developments in agricultural technology – including artificial intelligence – have the power to lower input costs for farmers, protect the health of livestock and poultry, and make farming operations more efficient. However, we must be equally active in certifying that these new technologies, products, and processes work as they should and uphold the highest industry standards,” said Rep. Feenstra. “My Farm Tech Act protects our farmers from faulty or misleading technologies by requiring the USDA to verify the legitimacy and effectiveness of agricultural software and other technologies that are increasingly used on farms across Iowa and the United States. This is a commonsense approach that cements Iowa agriculture’s leading role in feeding and fueling the world and responsibly certifies the validity and efficacy of the latest tools in farm technology.”
“Our farmers have always been on the cutting edge of implementing new technologies into their operations to increase production and streamline costs,” said Rep. Valadao. “As new technology like artificial intelligence becomes more common in our agriculture operations, we need to make sure these new tools are safe for consumers and producers alike. I’m proud to support the Farm Tech Act, which will support our farmers and ensure these important advancements in the industry are being used responsibly.”
Innovation in rural America will create numerous opportunities for farmers and small business owners to begin using emergent technologies, such as A.I., in their businesses. There are already investments being made into pesticide application and veterinary care for livestock.
The Farm Tech Act will open a pathway for these innovative technologies to help our rural communities feed and fuel the world.
Full legislative text can be found HERE.
(contributed press release)
