NEWS RELEASE: Senator Moody, Colleagues, Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Florida Agriculture by Supporting New Farming Technology to Lower Costs and Increase[...]

Senator Moody, Colleagues, Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Florida Agriculture by Supporting New Farming Technology to Lower Costs and Increase Efficiency

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Ashley Moody, along with Senators Rick Scott, Jon Ossoff, and Raphael Warnock, introduced S. 4067, The Land Grant Research Prioritization Act of 2026. This legislation aims to help Florida's land grant universities support new technology that aids farmers and strengthens America's food supply:

"Florida's farmers have been hit hard by droughts, freezes, hurricanes, and other unforeseen challenges, but they remain resilient. Our Florida universities are the best in the nation, and they should continue to lead in innovation. Under this bill, land-grant universities can expand research into advanced technologies that can lower costs, improve efficiency, and equip American growers to meet the challenges of modern agriculture," said Senator Ashley Moody.

BACKGROUND:

• This bill would allow land-grant universities to apply for USDA grants supporting research into farm technology, artificial intelligence in agriculture, invasive species, and aquaculture.
• This legislation is aimed to encourage research into precision agriculture, which focuses on the use of tools such as sensors, data systems, advanced machinery, and artificial intelligence to help American farmers grow crops more efficiently.
  • These technologies can help farmers reduce the amount of water, fertilizer, and other resources they use while still producing strong crop yields.
• Land-grant universities are public colleges that were created through federal legislation to focus on teaching agriculture, science, and engineering while conducting research that helps farmers and communities.
  • These schools also operate cooperative extension programs that provide research and practical guidance directly to farmers.
  • Florida has two land-grant universities: University of Florida and Florida A&M University.
  • Across the United States, there are more than 100 land-grant universities that conduct agricultural research and work closely with farmers to address challenges facing the industry.
  • The Land Grant Research Prioritization Act of 2026 is just the latest effort by Senator Moody to support Florida agriculture.

• After February's historic freeze, Senator Moody urged USDA to support Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service's request for federal disaster declaration.
• Last month, Senator Moody met with Florida farmers affected by the recent catastrophic deep freeze to discuss solutions.
• Senator Moody introduced the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act last April to help the Florida citrus industry by modernizing the Brix Standard. Senator Moody worked closely with President Trump, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to correct the outdated and unnecessary regulation.
• Senator Moody introduced the TEMP Act to examine resilience for American growers when extreme weather hits.

# # #