Artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic these days. From “deep fake” ability in political campaigns to students utilizing AI for projects, a lot of the AI news has been less than favorable. But Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA 2) and other members of the House are hoping to enhance one of the more positive sides of AI.
On Wednesday, Bishop and Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL 18) introduced House Resolution 4162, the Land Grant Research Prioritization Act. The bill would give land grant universities dedicated funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to boost AI, mechanization and research to assist the country’s agricultural producers.
“We rely on America’s farmers to produce the safest, most abundant, and affordable food, fiber, and materials. Yet they face many challenges such as supply chain resiliency, workforce capacity, input costs, coping with invasive species and pests, as well as the fallout of climate change. We must ensure that we are on the cutting edge of technology that can assist our farmers and producers,” said Rep. Bishop.
The current system does not provide dedicated access to funding for this type of research. This bill would amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 and direct the USDA to prioritize AI and other research that would help address a declining workforce, increasing costs and other woes facing agricultural producers.
The bill is getting backing from various agricultural groups, including the Georgia Fruit and Vegetables Growers Association, the Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Vidalia Onion Business Council and the Georgia Blueberry Commission.
“Advancements in mechanization to make our farms and workforces more efficient are sorely needed to level the playing field for U.S. growers. Our land grant universities are uniquely positioned to foster development of these technologies and help bring these advancements to our growers,” said Chris Butts, V.P. of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.
Over on the senate side, Florida Senator Marco Rubio is planning on introducing companion legislation. The problematic issues around artificial intelligence could be very difficult for Congress to tackle but they may be able to steer the good side of it in certain directions. From laser-weeding robots to automatic watering capability, AI might offer producers opportunities to save on labor, increase yield and go more organic without huge increases in cost.
“For over a century, land-grant institutions – like Fort Valley State University – have been at the forefront of research, development, and extension which has allowed U.S. agriculture to thrive. I am pleased to work with Congressman Franklin through this legislation to harness the power of our 1862 and 1890 land-grant institutions to explore how mechanized harvesting and artificial intelligence can help improve U.S. agriculture.”
