IA applauds FCC’s appointment of irrigation industry leader to precision agriculture task force working group
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA (Dec. 13, 2019) — On Dec. 3, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai named the leaders of the FCC’s precision agriculture task force’s working groups, which will explore ways to enhance the productivity and efficiency of the nation’s farms and ranches through broadband-based technologies. Irrigation Association Board Member and Paige Wireless President Julie Bushell was named vice chair of the Encouraging Adoption of Precision Agriculture and Availability of High-Quality Jobs on Connected Farms working group.
As vice chair of the working group, Bushell will help lead a national discussion regarding precision agriculture and the important role the FCC plays in ensuring farmers have the tools necessary to effectively and efficiently meet their customers’ needs, while using the latest technologies available.
“Julie’s appointment to help lead this working group showcases the importance irrigation and water management play in the national discussion regarding precision agriculture,” said IA Government and Public Affairs Director John Farner. “She will do an excellent job representing the IA during her tenure on this working group.”
The first meeting of the task force was on Dec. 9, in Washington, D.C. During this meeting, Chairman Pai welcomed all members of the task force and the working groups and announced that $1 billion will be dedicated for the employment of precision agriculture throughout the United States.
“I am honored to represent the Irrigation Association on this important working group of the FCC,” said Bushell. “Precision agriculture and irrigation’s role in promoting the security of our nation’s food supply are essential. I’m excited to bring our industry’s unique perspective to this national initiative.”
More information about the task force and the working groups can be found online at https://www.fcc.gov/task-force-reviewing-connectivity-and-technology-needs-precision-agriculture-united-states.