Advancing Automation Research and Development in Agriculture Act
Impact
If enacted, HB 4173 would significantly impact agricultural practices and policies by providing $20 million annually for research into cost-effective mechanization and automation technologies. This funding aims to stimulate innovation, increase productivity, and support better resource management in the specialty crop sector. The bill also emphasizes prioritizing projects that focus on training farm workers for new technologies, highlighting an effort to improve human capital in the agriculture industry, which is crucial for adapting to new farming practices.
Summary
House Bill 4173, titled the 'Advancing Automation Research and Development in Agriculture Act', aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the United States through the establishment of a dedicated grant program. This initiative seeks to facilitate research and development in mechanization and automation within the agricultural sector. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture create a stand-alone competitive grant program focused on advancing technologies that minimize manual labor needs while improving the efficiency of crop production, resource management, and post-harvest processes in the specialty crops industry.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 4173 may arise from differing perspectives on governmental support for agricultural technology versus the autonomy of the private sector to innovate independently. Furthermore, discussions may include concerns about equitable access to these technologies by small versus large agricultural operations. The bill's implications for labor in the agriculture sector, particularly regarding potential job displacement due to increased automation, may also be a topic of debate among stakeholders in the agricultural community.
To amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program under which the Secretary will award grants to specialty crop producers to acquire certain equipment and provide training with respect to the use of such equipment.
To amend the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to waive the matching funds requirement under the specialty crop research initiative, and for other purposes.