Press Releases
Reps. Finstad and Caraveo Introduce LAST ACRE Act, Increasing Broadband Access for U.S. Farmers
November 1, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, members of the House Agriculture Committee Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo (CO-08) introduced the Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments (LAST ACRE) Act. This legislation would expand high-speed broadband internet access throughout rural communities by establishing a Last Acre Program within the USDA’s Office of Rural Development.
While existing programs at USDA support “last mile” broadband deployment, extending networks to underserved households in rural America, the LAST ACRE Act would create a new competitive grant and loan program at USDA to expand high-speed broadband internet access across eligible farmland, ranchland, and farm sites.
“As a farmer, I understand the important role precision ag technology plays in increasing production and maximizing efficiency. Yet, many rural areas of southern Minnesota and across the country don’t have reliable access to the wireless connectivity needed in order to utilize these techniques,” said Rep. Finstad. “The LAST ACRE Act will help drive agricultural innovation into the 21st century by bringing the latest farming technology and tools to every corner of farm country, giving farmers and ranchers – in even the most remote areas – greater ability to adopt precision ag applications and ensure optimal efficiency in their operations.”
“Internet access isn’t just a luxury – it's a necessity to participate in the modern economy. Spotty coverage in rural areas leaves many farmers and ranchers unable to market their businesses, connect with new opportunities, and embrace the cutting-edge agriculture technology. Bringing highspeed internet to the last mile isn’t enough for these families and businesses; we need to extend connectivity to every acre of farmland,” said Rep. Caraveo. “I am honored to join in introducing this bipartisan bill, which will close the connectivity gap for rural workers and their families, enhance crop yields, and strengthen our food supply chain.”
The LAST ACRE Act is endorsed by the American Farm Bureau Federation, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Competitive Carriers Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Milk Producers Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Farmers Union, John Deere, Ethos Connected, and Wireless Internet Service Providers Association.
“America’s equipment manufacturers are proud to create the innovative tools and ground-breaking technologies that help farmers and ranchers reduce input costs and increase yields, while helping them protect and care for our environment,” said Kip Eideberg, Senior Vice President, Association of Equipment Manufacturers. “America’s farmers and ranchers need affordable, reliable, and sustainable connectivity to take full advantage of precision agriculture technologies. We are grateful to Representatives Finstad and Caraveo for their efforts to connect rural America, from the hospital to the school and from the farmhouse to the field.”
“Competitive Carriers Association commends Representatives Brad Finstad and Yadira Caraveo, M.D. on the bipartisan introduction of the LAST ACRE Act. Precision agriculture in rural America requires enhanced mobile wireless connectivity. This bill provides opportunities via USDA to bring such ubiquitous wireless connectivity across farmland, ranches, forests, and other areas. I thank the Representatives for their commitment to fully connecting rural America,” said Tim Donovan, President and CEO, Competitive Carriers Association.
“In an ever-changing marketplace, it is imperative that corn farmers use the latest in precision agriculture technology to remain competitive and sustainable, and this is only possible through access to high-speed broadband,” said National Corn Growers Association President Harold Wolle. “That’s why we applaud Reps. Finstad and Caraveo for introducing the LAST ACRE Act, which will expand USDA’s efforts to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to rural America.”
Full text of the legislation can be found here.