H.R. 5854: Sustainable Agriculture Research Act

This bill, titled the Sustainable Agriculture Research Act, aims to update the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 by adding a new focus area for the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AGARDA). The key points of the bill include:

New Goals for AGARDA

The bill seeks to enhance AGARDA's role in advancing sustainable agriculture practices through innovative solutions. The new goals outlined in the bill emphasize:

• Development of Agricultural Technologies: Focusing on technologies that can mitigate the impacts of extreme weather on agricultural production.
• Addressing Drought: Creating strategies to improve water retention in soils for crops and rangelands.
• Carbon Storage: Exploring the capacity for long-term carbon storage through sustainable agricultural practices.
• Sustainable Energy Solutions: Enhancing the feasibility and adoption of sustainable energy, including both conventional and advanced biofuels, on farms.
• Conservation Practices: Promoting voluntary conservation practices that help sequester carbon and improve climate resilience on farms.
• Precision Agriculture Technologies: Encouraging the implementation and economic viability of precision agriculture technologies.

Definitions and Terminology

In the context of this bill, several terms are defined, including:

• Precision Agriculture: This refers to managing agricultural production inputs with a high degree of precision. It involves techniques that help farmers track and reduce the amount of seeds, feed, fertilizers, chemicals, water, and time used, thereby improving efficiency, minimizing waste, and maintaining environmental quality.

Impact on Sustainable Practices

The bill emphasizes the importance of voluntary adoption of these innovative practices and technologies by farmers to help improve agricultural sustainability and resilience against climate-related challenges. The focus on collaborative innovation in agricultural research is intended to support economic viability while fostering environmental stewardship.

Legislative Process

As of now, the bill is in the introduced stage in the House of Representatives and has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture for further consideration. The timeline for further action will depend on the committee's review and recommendation for the next steps.

Relevant Companies

• DE (Deere & Company): As a leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery, Deere could see increased demand for precision agriculture technologies and equipment.
• CTSH (Cognizant Technology Solutions): This company provides services and solutions that could support the development of technologies referenced in the bill.
• ADM (Archer-Daniels-Midland Company): As a major player in agribusiness, ADM may benefit from advancements in sustainable agricultural practices and technologies.