Artificial intelligence is already a workhorse in the technology that allows tractors to identify weeds and tailor herbicide spraying, determine when a crop is ready to harvest and weave together satellite and soil data to make efficient use of fertilizer.
But Senate Agriculture Committee members said Tuesday that AI’s potential to bring more advances in agriculture comes with risks about farm data protection; the affordability of technology, particularly for small farms; consolidation in the sector; and other, unforeseen consequences.
Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said the committee and Congress will have to balance policies that encourage innovation but protect against excesses. He told witnesses that he is working on legislation to put up guardrails while maintaining “a light touch” on regulations.
