Advancing IoT for Precision Agriculture Act of 2021

To promote scientific research and development opportunities for connected technologies that advance precision agriculture capabilities. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Advancing IoT for Precision Agriculture Act of 2021 2. Purpose It is the purpose of this Act to promote scientific research and development opportunities for connected technologies that advance precision agriculture capabilities. 3. National Science Foundation Directive on Agricultural Sensor Research In awarding grants under its sensor systems and networked systems programs, the Director of the National Science Foundation shall include in consideration of portfolio balance research and development on sensor con­nec­tiv­i­ty in environments of intermittent connectivity and intermittent computation— (1) to improve the reliable use of advance sensing systems in rural and agricultural areas; and (2) that considers— (A) direct gateway access for locally stored data; (B) attenuation of signal transmission; (C) loss of signal transmission; and (D) at-scale performance for wireless power. 4. Updating Considerations for Precision Agriculture Technology within the NSF Advanced Technical Education Program Section 3 of the Scientific and Advanced-Technology Act of 1992 ( 42 U.S.C. 1862i (1) in subsection (d)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (D), by striking and (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (F) applications that incorporate distance learning tools and approaches. ; (2) in subsection (e)(3)— (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking and (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (E) applications that incorporate distance learning tools and approaches. ; and (3) in subsection (j)(1), by inserting agricultural, commercial, 5. GAO review Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall provide— (1) a technology assessment of precision agriculture technologies, such as the existing use of— (A) sensors, scanners, radio-frequency iden­ti­fi­cation, and related technologies that can monitor soil properties, irrigation conditions, and plant physiology; (B) sensors, scanners, radio-frequency identification, and related technologies that can monitor livestock activity and health; (C) network connectivity and wireless communications that can securely support digital agriculture technologies in rural and remote areas; (D) aerial imagery generated by satellites or unmanned aerial vehicles; (E) ground-based robotics; (F) control systems design and con­nec­tiv­ity, such as smart irrigation control systems; and (G) data management software and advanced analytics that can assist decision making and improve agricultural outcomes; and (2) a review of Federal programs that provide support for precision agriculture research, development, adoption, education, or training, in existence on the date of enactment of this Act.

Summary: Advancing IoT for Precision Agriculture Act of 2021 This bill supports research and development for connected technologies that advance precision agriculture. In awarding grants under its sensor systems and networked systems programs, the National Science Foundation (NSF) shall consider certain research and development on sensor connectivity in environments of intermittent connectivity and intermittent computation. The NSF must prioritize applications that incorporate distance learning tools and approaches in awarding grants under the Advanced Technological Education Program to (1) junior or community colleges to develop or improve associate degree or certificate programs in an in-demand industry sector or occupation; or (2) institutions of higher education partnering with private sector employers, industry partnerships, or sector partnerships that commit to offering apprenticeships, internships, research opportunities, or applied learning experiences to enrolled students. The Government Accountability Office shall provide (1) a technology assessment of precision agriculture technologies; and (2) a review of federal programs that provide support for precision agriculture research, development, adoption, education, or training.