PRECISE Act of 2025
PRECISE Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# PRECISE Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary The PRECISE Act would encourage farmers and ranchers to adopt precision agriculture technologies and practices through existing USDA conservation programs. Precision agriculture uses advanced technology and data to manage farm inputs like water, fertilizer, seeds, and chemicals more efficiently—reducing waste while maintaining or improving crop and livestock production. The bill would modify two major USDA programs (the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program) to make it easier for farmers to participate and receive support when they adopt these precision farming techniques. The bill would primarily affect farmers and ranchers across the country who might benefit from financial incentives to invest in precision agriculture technology.
This could include tools like GPS-guided equipment, soil sensors, automated irrigation systems, and data analytics software. The changes aim to help agricultural producers become more efficient and environmentally conscious while potentially reducing costs. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2025 or the PRECISE Act of 2025This bill incorporates support for precision agriculture into various programs of the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Precision agriculture refers to managing, tracking, or reducing crop or livestock production inputs, including seed, feed, fertilizer, chemicals, water, and time, at a heightened level of spatial and temporal granularity to improve efficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain environmental quality. 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.Specifically, the bill makes changes to eligibility criteria, payments, and other aspects of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program. These changes include allowing the programs to support the adoption of precision agriculture practices and acquisition of precision agriculture technologies.In addition, the bill expands a program through which USDA makes and insures loans to for-profit and nonprofit organizations that invest in rural areas by allowing the loans to be used for precision agriculture practices.Also, USDA must emphasize the use of third-party providers when providing technical assistance on matters related to soil health for participants in certain USDA conservation programs. This includes planning related to the use of cover crops, precision agriculture practices, and comprehensive nutrient management.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.