PRECISE Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6143
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-04T08:08:32Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The PRECISE Act (Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act) aims to encourage farmers and rural entities to adopt precision agriculture technologies. These technologies help manage farming inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and water more efficiently at a detailed level, reducing waste, cutting costs, and improving environmental quality. The bill does this by expanding federal loan programs, conservation incentives, and technical assistance to include these practices.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: Adds clear definitions for "precision agriculture" (managing crop or livestock inputs with high detail to boost efficiency and protect the environment) and "precision agriculture technology" (tools like GPS mapping, sensors, yield monitors, data software, and variable-rate applicators that reduce input use).
- Conservation Loans and Guarantees: Expands the Conservation Loan and Loan Guarantee Program under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to cover costs for adopting precision agriculture practices or buying related technology, including for use in environmental programs.
- Assistance to Rural Entities: Updates the Rural Business Development Grants program to fund projects that promote precision agriculture adoption, focusing on best practices, cost savings, and environmental benefits.
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Allows higher payments (up to 90% of costs) for precision agriculture when tied to conservation practices; permits combining EQIP payments with conservation loans; and includes these technologies in planning and incentive contracts.
- Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): Incorporates precision agriculture as an eligible enhancement activity, alongside advanced grazing and other practices, to improve soil health and resource management.
- Technical Assistance: Emphasizes using third-party experts (non-government providers) for soil health planning, including precision agriculture, cover crops, and nutrient management.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1924 and 1932) to explicitly include precision agriculture in eligible loan and grant uses, previously focused on broader conservation without this specificity.
- Modifies the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801, 3839aa-1, etc.) by inserting new definitions, increasing payment limits for precision tech in EQIP (from standard rates to up to 90%), allowing loan stacking with conservation payments, and adding precision agriculture to CSP enhancements—changes that integrate technology more deeply into existing conservation frameworks.
- Shifts EQIP high-priority payment designations to be state-determined, giving local flexibility.
- Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to notify EQIP participants about loan options, adding a procedural safeguard.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will need to update program guidelines, increase outreach, and potentially allocate more funds for technical assistance via third parties, which could streamline delivery but raise administrative costs.
- Citizens (Farmers and Rural Communities): Farmers gain access to low-interest loans, grants, and higher incentives to afford advanced tech, potentially lowering production costs, increasing yields, and reducing environmental harm like water pollution from excess fertilizers. Rural businesses may see growth in tech-related services.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though broader adoption of efficient U.S. farming could enhance agricultural competitiveness in global markets and support U.S. commitments to sustainable practices under international environmental agreements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Farmers and Producers: Primary beneficiaries, especially those in crop or livestock operations, who can use incentives to modernize practices.
- Rural Businesses and Entities: Eligible for grants to expand precision agriculture services, fostering local economic development.
- Environmental Groups and Communities: Indirectly benefit from reduced waste and better resource management, improving water and soil quality.
- USDA and Federal Agencies: Responsible for implementing changes, including program administration and third-party coordination.
- Technology Providers: Companies offering GPS, sensors, and data tools may see increased demand due to financed adoptions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens integration of technology into conservation law without creating new programs, relying on amendments to avoid conflicts with existing statutes; emphasizes voluntary participation, aligning with property rights.
- Constitutional: No apparent challenges, as it involves federal spending on agriculture (a delegated power) and does not infringe on states' rights—state flexibility in EQIP priorities respects federalism.
- Political: Promotes bipartisan agricultural innovation and environmental stewardship (introduced by a mix of Republicans and Democrats); could influence farm bill reauthorizations by highlighting tech-driven sustainability, potentially appealing to both rural economic interests and green policy advocates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Gray, Adam [D-CA-13], Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
- 2025-12-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit.
- 2025-11-19: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 2025-11-19: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-19: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act — issued 2025-11-19 — PDF (9 pages)