FCC Precision Ag Task Force Puts 2024 'Focus on Filling in Any Gaps'

The FCC Precision Agriculture Task Force met Wednesday, welcoming new members and discussing the group's mandate as it kicked off its third and final term (see 2308210069). The commission gave it the task of identifying gaps in broadband availability on agricultural land, as well as providing recommendations for rapid deployment and data collection.

While the task force will continue its working groups, FCC staff said it should also consider how connectivity can improve sustainability in agricultural production. Knodle Farms Vice President Heather Hampton Knodle, who was connectivity demand working group chair during the its prior term, urged the task force to "make sure that we have a shared working definition" of sustainability and "more importantly, that it includes social and economic aspects and isn't just looking at an environmental leg of the stool."

The task force's new chair, Michael Adelaine, chief information officer emeritus, South Dakota State University, said members should "focus on filling in any gaps" because "we don't have two years" like the previous task force. "We don't need to cover old ground or rehash previous recommendations," Adelaine said: "We need to address any new areas, such as sustainability or other areas based on where we are in 2024 ... "We have to step up the pace." The group's term ends January 2025. He noted the final report will follow the same format as the last report, which should expedite the process.

"This is an incredibly important initiative to make sure ... we have the infrastructure services and technologies necessary to enable precision ag," Commissioner Brendan Carr told the group. There's "a tremendous amount of opportunities that come when we get high-speed connection in these rural communities," he said. Commissioner Geoffrey Starks said the group will "influence the future of agriculture."

USDA Rural Utilities Service acting Administrator Andy Berke noted that last acre and symmetrical service are two of the biggest items facing precision ag. Last acre brings connectivity across rural acreage and is similar to last mile broadband deployment. "Right now, we don't have anything at USDA for last acre service to farmers," Berke said: "That is something we are paying attention to, particularly with our loans and grants program." The group also heard presentations from Internet2 about research and education on sustainable broadband infrastructure and from Ohio State University on autonomy, sustainability and last acre connectivity.

Christi Shewman, designated federal officer and Wireline Bureau special counsel, said FCC staff is "working through the appointment processes for the working group members." The process for producing a final report "is going to be accelerated, and we will not be having those same interim reports" as with previous task forces. Shewman said there will be "at least two more full task force meetings this year." The goal is finalizing a draft report at least 30 days before the task force's final meeting. Wireline Bureau attorney adviser and deputy designated federal officer Emily Caditz will also assume Shewman's role moving forward, Shewman added.

Also Wednesday, GAO released a report on the benefits and challenges of precision ag technology as required by the 2022 Chips and Science Act. The report found that precision ag leads to increased profits, reduced application of crop inputs and environmental benefits. The report also concluded that adoption of the technology could be challenging due to high upfront acquisition costs. GAO cited concerns around farm data sharing as an obstacle to the widespread use of AI in agriculture and a lack of uniform standards.