Growing opportunities

Making the most of this information, however, depends on how quickly farmers can access it. Farmers in more rural areas often don’t have the infrastructure required to retrieve vital data fast enough for their needs.

U.S. Rep. Elise M. Stefanik, R-Willsboro, last week introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives a measure to offer farmers greater access to high-speed internet. H.R. 5897, also called the Precision Farming Act of 2016, was referred to both the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Agriculture.

The bill would offer to broadband providers a one-time $15,000 reimbursement for each line installed for a qualifying precision farming operation. In addition, farmers who apply for loans to cover installation costs will have their applications prioritized per the Rural Electrification Act.

“The internet has the power to revolutionize the agriculture sector,” Ms. Stefanik said in a news release issued Thursday. “For instance, a dairy farmer from Potsdam who spoke with my office uses broadband to automate feeding plans for his cows. To support our north country farmers, I have introduced the Precision Farming Act of 2016. This legislation will encourage the construction of rural broadband connections to farms by allowing providers to receive reimbursements for the costs related to construction. Furthermore, this legislation would put our nation’s farmers first by prioritizing their loan applications for additional construction. To compete in a 21st century economy, our farmers must have access to broadband technology.”

The proposed measure has been praised by local authorities connected to the agricultural industry, and we join this chorus. This bill would fill a need for many farmers who wish to take better advantage of the technology that can instantly put the information they need at their fingertips.

Because many farms are in such remote areas, extending the infrastructure needed to provide broadband internet may be cost prohibitive. These farmers end up lagging the technology they need to enhance their businesses.

By providing reimbursements to internet providers and prioritizing loan applications made by farmers, the Precision Farming Act of 2016 would resolve this issue in rural areas. We urge federal legislators on Capitol Hill to pass this bill and send it to President Barack Obama for his signature.