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Today, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) and Congresswoman Robin Kelly’s (D-IL2) bipartisan legislation, H.R. 1339, the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act. The bill now awaits Senate approval.  

H.R. 1339 would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review its current satellite rules to determine if rule changes can be made to promote precision agriculture. This latest effort builds upon Latta’s Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act, included in the Farm Bill and signed into law in 2018, which established the Precision Agriculture Task Force. 

Click here to view Latta’s remarks on the House Floor in support of his bill.

“Ohio’s Fifth District is home to one of the largest agriculture-producing districts in Ohio, which is why I’m committed to ensuring our farmers have tools at their disposal to increase productivity and produce higher yields while minimizing operating costs,” Latta said. “With the House advancing my bipartisan bill today, farmers in Ohio and across America are one step closer to incorporating new technology that not only benefits their operation, but also bolsters the food supply chain that so many Americans rely upon to feed their families.”

“I am thrilled that the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act has passed the house with bipartisan support. American farmers are the backbone of our food supply and an indispensable part of our economy,” Kelly said. “I am proud to represent over 2000 farms and I am constantly working to ensure that they can sustain their operations and increase profitability. I was happy to partner with Rep. Latta in this effort to put American innovation and ingenuity to work for our nation’s farmers.”

“Farmers, now more than ever, are using precision agriculture to plant seeds, care for developing crops and preserve the quality of natural resources,” the Ohio Farm Bureau said. “Congressman Latta’s Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act will offer a fresh perspective on the satellite-based services Ohio agriculture depends on to ensure the most efficient use of inputs and protect the soil and water, each of which is vital for a successful crop year in and year out.”

 “Precision agriculture enables America’s farmers to do more while using fewer resources and is playing an ever-growing role in sustainability efforts,” American Farm Bureau Federation Director of Government Affairs Emily Buckman said. “We appreciate Congressman Latta for his work on the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act, which will further promote technology that can help farmers continue to put food on America’s tables while protecting the resources they’ve been entrusted with.”

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