The Home of Representatives just lately handed H.R.1339, or the Precision Agriculture Satellite tv for pc Connectivity Act, co-sponsored by Reps. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) and Robin Kelly (D-In poor health.). The laws, which handed by an awesome margin of 409-11, would require the Federal Communications Fee (FCC) to evaluation present U.S. guidelines for its satellites — particularly, to find out whether or not U.S. satellites can be utilized to reinforce the observe of precision agriculture.  

Precision agriculture makes use of international positioning system (GPS) satellites to look at, measure and reply to completely different variables that have an effect on crop output and longevity. This consists of measuring soil moisture ranges, structural anomalies and nutrient ranges. 

“Precision agriculture permits America’s farmers to do extra whereas utilizing fewer assets and is taking part in an ever-growing position in sustainability efforts,” stated Emily Buckman, American Farm Bureau Federation director of presidency affairs, to Michigan Farm Information. The enterprise capital group echoes that sentiment. In line with the AgFunder 2023 World Agrifoodtech World Funding Report, satellite tv for pc and different sensing applied sciences acquired $1.7 billion in funding in 2022.

The invoice is on its approach to the Senate. If it passes and is ultimately signed into legislation by President Joe Biden, the FCC can have 15 months to analyze and current a plan to Congress with methods to enhance satellite tv for pc expertise and allow larger entry for farmers. 

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