Smith Launches Modern Agriculture Caucus, Announces Vice Chairs

Washington, DC — Today Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), along with Reps. Frank Lucas (R-OK), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Vince Fong (R-CA), Tracey Mann (R-KS), and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA) announced the formation of the Modern Agriculture Caucus and released the following statements.

"I see great opportunity to bring awareness and support to innovative efforts of American farmers and ranchers feeding and fueling the world. As Nebraska’s third district leads the Nation in agricultural production, I’ve seen first-hand the benefit modern agriculture practices provide for both producers and consumers," said Chair Smith. "Through this caucus, we will champion policy which promotes cutting-edge technologies, stewardship of our natural resources, as well as the development and protection of U.S. agricultural innovation and intellectual property. I thank each vice chair for joining in this effort, and I look forward to all we will accomplish for agriculture across America."

"I am pleased to join Representative Smith's Modern Agriculture Caucus as Vice Chair of Biotechnology," said Vice Chair Lucas. "This caucus will bring together a cross section of agriculture focused legislators to educate and advocate on the agricultural issues affecting farmers today. As the current subcommittee Chairman of Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology on the House Agriculture Committee, I am looking forward to exploring new ways to champion agricultural research and biotechnology issues through this caucus."

"As a fourth-generation farmer, I’ve seen firsthand the advances in technology that have taken place in agriculture over the past few decades," said Vice Chair Finstad. "My dad always said he’d retire from farming when the tractors drive themselves, and now my kids plant our fields using an iPad. American farmers are the most efficient producers in the world, and I’m honored to serve as Vice Chair of Emerging Innovations for the Modern Ag Caucus to help promote the latest, greatest technology in the hands of farmers, allowing them to maximize yields, increase production, and decrease input costs better than ever before."

"I’m honored to serve as Vice Chair of Precision Agriculture as a member of the Modern Agriculture Caucus," said Vice Chair Houchin. "I’ve seen how emerging technologies and improved connectivity, especially rural broadband, can transform the way we farm. Precision ag supports American farmers and helps ensure the U.S. remains the global leader in agriculture."

"It’s an honor to serve as Vice Chair of Smart Irrigation for the Modern Ag Caucus as my district is the food-producing capital of California," said Vice Chair Fong. "As technology advances, we must leverage innovation to strengthen our agriculture industry in my state and across the nation. With Western farmers facing increasingly volatile water cycles, driving smart, sustainable practices through the Modern Ag Caucus is essential. I’m committed to advancing cutting-edge solutions that improve water efficiency – helping our farmers not just grow more food, but thrive for generations to come."

"Technological advancements and automation have helped producers improve crop yields and equipped America’s agricultural community to feed, clothe, and provide fuel to more people than ever imagined," said Vice Chair Mann.  "Over the next decade, artificial intelligence has the potential to improve agriculture in ways that will only bolster efficiency and further allow our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers to meet the needs of a growing world. It is a privilege to serve as Vice Chair of Automation and AI for the Modern Ag Caucus as we watch this technology develop in real time and improve the capabilities of American agriculture to do good around the globe."

“I am proud to help launch the Modern Agriculture Caucus as the Vice Chair of Food Affordability,” said Vice Chair Bresnahan. "Every American family deserves access to affordable, nutritious food, and that promise depends on the strength of modern agriculture. By embracing innovative techniques that allow our farmers to grow more food using more efficient, sustainable practices, we ensure that affordable food remains within reach for every table.”

"The Trump Administration and Congress know how important agricultural innovation and technology are to farming. This is why we are blessed as a nation with a safe, nutritious, and abundant food supply. I look forward to working with Congress and this new caucus to advance key agricultural priorities that improve the economic and production capacity of our agricultural sector. When our farmers and ranchers have the innovative tools to succeed, rural America prospers and our whole country benefits," said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. 

"American agriculture is at the forefront of science, technology, and innovation, and that’s exactly where it belongs," said House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson. "The Modern Agriculture Caucus will champion policies that embrace cutting-edge advancements like precision agriculture, support sustainable farming practices, and protect the intellectual property that underpins our global leadership."

The Modern Agriculture Caucus supports and advances cutting-edge practices to increase food production, improve farm efficiency, and strengthen American leadership in global food security. Through effective policymaking the caucus advocates for innovation, education, and responsible legislation for the agriculture industry.

Full list of Modern Agriculture Caucus leadership is as follows:

Caucus Chairman - Rep. Adrian Smith
Vice Chair of Precision Agriculture – Rep. Erin Houchin
Vice Chair of Biotechnology – Rep. Frank Lucas
Vice Chair of Food Affordability – Rep. Rob Bresnahan
Vice Chair of Emerging Innovations – Rep. Brad Finstad
Vice Chair of Smart Irrigation – Rep. Vince Fong
Vice Chair of Automation & AI – Rep. Tracey Mann

Additional members of the caucus include: Reps. Marianette Miller Meeks (R-IA), Jim Baird (R-IN), Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Flood (R-NE), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Tony Wied (R-WI), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), David Valadao (R-CA), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), David Rouzer (R-NC), and Ann Wagner (R-MO).

###