PRECISE Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 2, 2025
Bottom line
This bill aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced farming technologies by enhancing financial incentives and technical assistance for farmers, with the goal of improving efficiency and environmental outcomes.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act and the Food Security Act of 1985 to expand eligibility for conservation loans and loan guarantees, and increase payment rates under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for the adoption of precision agriculture practices and technology. It also formally defines "precision agriculture" and "precision agriculture technology" in federal law, and emphasizes third-party technical assistance for soil health planning.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that precision agriculture technologies lead to more efficient use of resources like water, fertilizer, and pesticides, reducing environmental impact and improving farm profitability. They contend that increased financial support and technical assistance will help farmers overcome initial investment barriers and accelerate the adoption of these beneficial practices, contributing to both food security and environmental conservation.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while precision agriculture has benefits, increased subsidies could disproportionately benefit larger, more established farming operations that are better positioned to adopt new technologies, potentially leaving smaller or less capitalized farms at a disadvantage. Concerns could also be raised about the cost to taxpayers for these expanded programs, or the potential for data privacy issues related to advanced farming technologies.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick but thorough review.
Section 2, amending Section 304 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1924)
Expand Conservation Loan Eligibility for Precision Agriculture
This provision adds the adoption of precision agriculture practices and the acquisition of precision agriculture technology as eligible purposes for conservation loans and loan guarantees. It also specifies that producers using these loans for precision agriculture, especially for participation in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), are eligible.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this directly addresses a key barrier for farmers: the upfront cost of precision agriculture technology. By making loans more accessible, more farmers can invest in practices that improve efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Critics contend
Critics might suggest that existing loan programs are sufficient or that direct subsidies might be more effective than loan guarantees, which still require farmers to take on debt.
Tradeoffs
Balances the desire to promote advanced technology adoption with the potential for increased federal financial exposure through loan guarantees.
Section 3, amending Section 310B(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(a))
Promote Precision Agriculture through Rural Development Assistance
This section adds "expanding the adoption of precision agriculture practices, including by financing the acquisition of precision agriculture technology" as an eligible purpose for assistance to rural entities. This aims to promote best practices, reduce costs, and improve the environment in rural areas.
Section 4, amending Section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801(a))
Establish Federal Definitions for Precision Agriculture
This section formally defines "precision agriculture" as managing, tracking, or reducing crop or livestock production inputs at a heightened level of spatial and temporal granularity to improve efficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain environmental quality. It also defines "precision agriculture technology" to include a comprehensive list of technologies such as GPS, satellite imagery, yield monitors, sensors, IoT, data management software, auto-steer systems, and variable rate technology.
Section 5, amending Section 1240B(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(d))
Increase EQIP Payments for Precision Agriculture Adoption
This provision allows the Secretary to increase the amount of payments under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to not more than 90 percent of the costs associated with adopting precision agriculture practices and acquiring precision agriculture technology for implementing conservation practices. It also clarifies that producers can receive both EQIP payments and conservation loans for the same practices.
Section 6, amending Section 1240L(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-24(d))
Include Precision Agriculture in Conservation Stewardship Program
This section amends the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to explicitly include "precision agriculture conservation activities" as an eligible activity for supplemental payments. This integrates precision agriculture into the program's framework for rewarding ongoing conservation efforts and encourages broader adoption of these advanced practices as part of a holistic approach to stewardship.
Section 7, amending Section 1242(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(f))
Emphasize Third-Party Technical Assistance for Soil Health and Precision Agriculture
This provision directs the Secretary of Agriculture to emphasize the use of third-party providers for technical assistance related to soil health planning. This includes planning for cover crops, precision agriculture practices, comprehensive nutrient management planning, and other innovative plans, aiming to leverage specialized expertise.