The SST4Ag project functions on a full-size farming operation adjacent to the pristine Yellowstone National Park Watershed. A copy of the MOU is attached to my testimony for the Committee's review. As you will note, the purpose of this MOU is to stimulate greater cooperation and coordination between the Departments for the benefit of the agriculture sector. The partnership couples DOE's expertise in physics, engineering, and computers with USDA's expertise in plant breeding, biological pest control, soil and water conservation, and other areas. The horizon is full of complex challenges for agriculture research and development.
None is more challenging or potentially more beneficial to the nation than precision agriculture.
Many of the components of precision agriculture have already been developed through substantial public and private investment. What is lacking is a system to organize these components so that the information they provide can be readily accessed by the farmer on a real-time basis. The expertise of these two Departments will yield results that can be replicated to benefit agriculture. We look forward to using our expertise to help design a model for a precision agriculture system that can be used by every farmer in the country. Reauthorization of the Agriculture Research Title presents an ideal opportunity to expand upon USDA's current approach to funding for agriculture research to help develop precision agriculture systems.