Farm Tech Act

8/30/2024, 8:05 AM

Farm Tech Act

This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a program to certify software that uses artificial intelligence to perform a task in connection with producing agricultural products. The program must be based on the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

In order for USDA to certify software under the program, the software must (1) perform accurately; and (2) consistently meet or exceed the federal and state licensure, certification, and permitting standards applicable to a person performing the task. (The bill includes requirements for these standards.)

USDA must prescribe any regulations necessary or appropriate to carry out this bill. 

The Farm Tech Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 6806, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to promote the use of technology in the agricultural industry in order to increase efficiency and productivity.

One key aspect of the Farm Tech Act is the establishment of a grant program to provide funding for farmers to invest in new technologies such as precision agriculture, drones, and other innovative tools. These technologies have the potential to help farmers better manage their crops, reduce waste, and increase yields.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to support research and development in agricultural technology, as well as initiatives to expand broadband access in rural areas. This is important because many farmers currently lack access to high-speed internet, which can hinder their ability to take advantage of new technologies. Overall, the Farm Tech Act aims to modernize the agricultural industry and help farmers stay competitive in a rapidly changing global market. By investing in technology and innovation, this bill has the potential to benefit both farmers and consumers alike.
Congress
118
Number
HR - 6806
Introduced on
2023-12-14
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

12/14/2023
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Farm Tech Act

This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a program to certify software that uses artificial intelligence to perform a task in connection with producing agricultural products. The program must be based on the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

In order for USDA to certify software under the program, the software must (1) perform accurately; and (2) consistently meet or exceed the federal and state licensure, certification, and permitting standards applicable to a person performing the task. (The bill includes requirements for these standards.)

USDA must prescribe any regulations necessary or appropriate to carry out this bill. 

The Farm Tech Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 6806, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to promote the use of technology in the agricultural industry in order to increase efficiency and productivity.

One key aspect of the Farm Tech Act is the establishment of a grant program to provide funding for farmers to invest in new technologies such as precision agriculture, drones, and other innovative tools. These technologies have the potential to help farmers better manage their crops, reduce waste, and increase yields.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to support research and development in agricultural technology, as well as initiatives to expand broadband access in rural areas. This is important because many farmers currently lack access to high-speed internet, which can hinder their ability to take advantage of new technologies. Overall, the Farm Tech Act aims to modernize the agricultural industry and help farmers stay competitive in a rapidly changing global market. By investing in technology and innovation, this bill has the potential to benefit both farmers and consumers alike.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo provide for the establishment of a program to certify artificial intelligence software used in connection with producing agricultural products.
Policy Areas
Agriculture and Food

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary11/7/2024

Farm Tech Act

This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a program to certify software that uses artificial intelligence to perform a task in connection with producing agricultural products. The prog...

Latest Action8/29/2024
Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit.