Sens. Ossoff, Rubio introduce new bipartisan legislation to improve research of advanced agricultural technologies to benefit farmers
New legislation would increase resources for land-grant to study developments on precision agriculture technologies
Bipartisan bill would benefit Georgia’s two land grant universities: University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University
Washington, D.C. –– U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is introducing a bipartisan bill to advance precision agriculture technology.
Sens. Ossoff and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Land Grant Research Prioritization Act to improve research and development for advanced agricultural technologies, including mechanization technology and agricultural uses of artificial intelligence.
The bipartisan legislation would authorize the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make priority research grants available for land-grant universities — including the University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University — to increase their research on precision agriculture and help more farmers and specialty crop growers benefit from new technologies.
For example, precision agriculture can help farmers save money by using less water and fertilizer for their crops. The legislation would also authorize grants for invasive species control and aquaculture.
“Georgia growers have told me clearly: precision agriculture technology is key to Georgia’s agricultural future,” said Sen. Ossoff. “I’m pleased to partner with Sen. Rubio to advance the research and deployment of technology that will help feed the nation and create wealth in our states.”
“Florida’s land-grant universities are constantly innovating to address critical issues pertaining to agriculture and natural resource management in Florida,” said Sen. Rubio. “The Land Grant Research Prioritization Act will ensure that priority research grants are available to support cutting-edge research topics important to Florida to face these challenges.”
The USDA, through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, collaborates with land-grant colleges and universities to address critical issues related to agriculture, food, the environment, and the community.
There are currently over 100 land-grant universities nationwide. The two land-grant universities in Georgia are the University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University.
Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) is also a cosponsor of this legislation. U.S. Representative Scott Franklin (R-FL) introduced companion legislation in the house with U.S. Representative Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA).
Click here to read the bipartisan Land Grant Research Prioritization Act.
