U.S. Senators from Georgia have introduced a bipartisan bill to what they say will help Georgia’s land grant universities develop new technologies for Georgia farmers.
U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia and Republican Ashley Moody from Florida are sponsoring the legislation. Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Rick Scott (R-FL) are also backing the measure now named the Land Grant Research Prioritization Act of 2026 to “improve research and development for advanced agricultural technologies, including mechanization technology.”
According to a press release, 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.”
You can read the bill here.
