Directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets to assess and report on the use and development of precision agriculture, and the use of broadband by farmers

BILL NUMBER:S6543B

Title of bill

An act to direct the commissioner of agriculture and markets to issue a report assessing the use and development of precision agriculture in the state with recommendations pertaining to rural broadband accessibility, use and support for the farmers, as well as cost savings and higher crop yield

Purpose

This bill directs the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to issue a report assessing the use and development of precision agriculture in the state and to make recommendations pertaining to any necessary technical support, accessibility of broadband with particular focus in rural areas of the state, and a cost benefit analysis of precision agriculture.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 sets forth the legislative intent.

Section 2 sets forth guidelines for the commissioner of agriculture and markets, in consultation with the New York state broadband program office of the empire state development corporation to compile and issue a report on precision agriculture and to make recommendations relating to necessary technical support, broadband accessibility with particular focus in rural areas of the state, and a cost benefit analysis of precision agriculture. This report shall include specified recommendations.

Section 3 sets forth that the report must be submitted to the Executive, Legislature, and the Chairs of the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources by November 1, 2014.

Section 4 sets an immediate effective date.

Justification

Precision agriculture has the potential to offer several benefits to New York state farmers and our environment.

Farmers who use precision agriculture systems more efficiently use production inputs, such as soil nutrients, seeds, and pesticides, which leads to cost reductions, saving farmers and consumers money.

Using global positioning services and soil sampling, farmers are able to target and apply inputs in the most efficient way possible. Production inputs, such as soil nutrients, are applied more heavily to areas that need more, and more sparsely to areas that need less. This creates an environmental benefit in which soil health is improved and fewer production inputs filter into streams and rivers.

Improved site selection via global positioning services results in the production of higher value or specialty products. Improved data collection and analysis results in better recordkeeping and production tracking for food safety.

This legislation directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets, in consultation with the New York state broadband program office of the empire state development corporation to compile and issue a report on precision agriculture and to make recommendations relating to necessary technical support, broadband accessibility with particular focus in rural areas of the state, and a cost benefit analysis of precision agriculture. Ultimately, the goal is to provide the Executive and the Legislature with a resource to help farmers operate their businesses more efficiently.

Legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Effective immediately.