The Agriculture Innovation Act of 2023 would strengthen agricultural data collection and distribution to connect farmers, ranchers, and foresters with the most effective conservation practices that enhance productivity, profitability, and flood resilience. Improved data would also help U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) technical assistance programs monitor the performance of conservation practices over time, allowing field staff to provide the most up-to-date and effective technical assistance to producers, helping them adapt to flooding and other environmental challenges.

WHY WE LIKE IT

USDA collects a wealth of data across all of its internal agencies, giving the Department a unique perspective to analyze the effectiveness of its programs and conservation practices. At times this data is fragmented and underutilized, making it difficult for USDA to quantify outcomes concerning conservation, productivity, profitability, and resilience. The Agriculture Innovation Act would ensure that USDA securely collects, processes, and disseminates data for producers and qualified researchers to advance innovative flood solutions.

Read S.98 online

Photo courtesy of USDA Agricultural Research Service