Report of the Task Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States

This Task Force seeks to address the digital divide with recommendations that will advise the federal government on ways it can improve access, specifically on rural, agricultural lands. Broadband is the foundational element for all other issues. The recommendations fall largely within five primary categories with some additional key considerations. The five main priorities that the Task Force recommends are to:

1. Improve federal broadband maps and consistently validate user experiences;
2. Increase incentives and clarify that precision agriculture infrastructure are eligible expenses for federal broadband programs to increase adoption and build out a robust infrastructure;
3. Enhance the high-speed standards to meet the technology needs in agriculture;
4. Improve collaboration between federal agencies and remove regulatory impediments; and
5. Increase digital access to education and training for individuals engaged in farming.

Additional consideration should also be given to cyber security concerns and interoperability standards.