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Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2025

5/21/2025, 4:08 AM

Summary of Bill S 1618

This bill, designated as S. 1618 in the 119th Congress, aims to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to include precision agriculture practices and technologies as eligible for assistance under the conservation loan and loan guarantee program. Introduced on May 6, 2025, the bill focuses on expanding support for precision agriculture within the realm of conservation and rural development initiatives.

Congressional Summary of S 1618

Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2025

This bill incorporates support for precision agriculture practices and technologies into the Conservation Loan Program and reauthorizes the program through FY2029.

Under current law, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) may make or guarantee qualified conservation loans to farmers and ranchers for the implementation of conservation practices approved by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Currently, the program guarantees conservation loans from approved FSA lenders.

Specifically, the bill adds the adoption of precision agriculture practices and technologies to the program’s priority list and the list of conservation activities that may be addressed with loan funds. This allows the Conservation Loan Program to make or guarantee qualified conservation loans to farmers and ranchers for the adoption of these practices and technologies.

Further, the FSA must improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the program’s administrative procedures related to the adoption of these practices and the acquisition of these technologies. This includes streamlining any necessary approvals with the NRCS.

Precision agriculture is a general term describing various crop and livestock management tools and practices that leverage technology (e.g., GPS) to optimize production and sustainability. Precision agriculture technology includes any technology and equipment that directly contributes to a reduction in, or improved efficiency of, inputs used in crop or livestock production (e.g., seed, feed, fertilizer, chemicals, and water).

Current Status of Bill S 1618

Bill S 1618 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 6, 2025. Bill S 1618 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on May 6, 2025.  Bill S 1618's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. as of May 6, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1618

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1618

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1618

A bill to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make precision agriculture practices and technologies eligible under the conservation loan and loan guarantee program.
A bill to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make precision agriculture practices and technologies eligible under the conservation loan and loan guarantee program.

Comments

Ares Schneider profile image

Ares Schneider

603

9 months ago

So glad they're finally recognizing the importance of precision agriculture in the loan program! Who else is excited about this bill?