Sens. Ossoff, Moody, Rev. Warnock, Scott Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Advance Precision Agriculture Technology

New legislation would increase resources for land-grant to study developments on precision agriculture technologies

Bipartisan bill would benefit Georgia's two land grant universities: University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is introducing a bipartisan bill to help Georgia's land grant universities develop new technologies for Georgia farmers.

Sens. Ossoff and Ashley Moody (R-FL), alongside Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Rick Scott (R-FL), introduced the bipartisan Land Grant Research Prioritization Act of 2026 to improve research and development for advanced agricultural technologies, including mechanization technology.

The bipartisan legislation would authorize the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make priority research grants available for land-grant universities - including the University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University - to increase their research on precision agriculture and help more farmers and specialty crop growers benefit from new technologies.

U.S. Representatives Scott Franklin (R-FL) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House.

"Georgia growers have told me clearly: precision agriculture technology is key to Georgia's agricultural future," said Sen. Ossoff. "I'm pleased to partner with Senators Moody, Rev. Warnock, and Scott to advance the research and deployment of technology that will help feed the nation and create wealth in our states."

"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.

"Georgia has long been a proud agricultural state, and this bipartisan legislation will help our farmers continue to lead into the future," said Senator Warnock. "I am proud to work alongside Senator Ossoff to introduce this legislation so land-grant universities, like the University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University, can have the tools to help usher in the development of new technologies that support Georgia and our rural communities."

Senator Rick Scott said, "Florida's growers and researchers are leading the way in developing new technologies that keep American agriculture thriving. By ensuring our land-grant universities have the research and grant funding needed, we'll help Florida producers' lower costs, strengthen our food supply, and ensure the United States continues as a leader in agricultural innovation."

Sen. Ossoff continues working to support Georgia agriculture.

Sen. Ossoff recently cosponsored the bipartisan Buying American Cotton Act of 2025 to incentivize retailers to sell products made with U.S. cotton to boost demand for cotton grown in the U.S., becoming the first Senate Democrat to back the bill. Now, key leaders in Georgia's cotton industry are backing Sen. Ossoff's efforts to pass the bill.

In November, Sen. Ossoff cosponsored the bipartisan Securing American Agriculture Act to decrease dependence on China for agricultural imports.

In September, Sen. Ossoff joined lawmakers across the aisle to urge the United States Trade Representative to prioritize American pecan producers in ongoing trade negotiations with India.

In August, Sen. Ossoff cosponsored the bipartisan United States Citrus Protection Act alongside Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) to support and protect Georgia's citrus growers by banning imports of fresh citrus from China, which can often undercut domestic citrus producers and hurt the rapidly growing citrus industry in Georgia.

In December 2024, Sen. Ossoff successfully fought to pass a bipartisan disaster relief package that included $21 billion in agricultural disaster funding to help Georgia farmers recovering from the disastrous impacts of Hurricane Helene and farmers nationwide impacted by natural disasters.

Click here to read the bipartisan Land Grant Research Prioritization Act of 2026.

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