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SECTION X.
TECHNOLOGY AND THE FAMILY FARM
Farmers and ranchers are open to the opportunities that technology can create in their operations. However, the benefits of new technologies must be weighed against costs and risks involved. 1. NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES A. We urge continued research and funding of alternative agricultural technologies and sustainable systems that would benefit family farmers.
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B. We support the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) for agricultural uses. But urge any data collected from UAVs remain private and secure unless chosen otherwise.
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C. We believe that precision agriculture creates possibilities for producers to implement both cost-effective and conservation practices on their land.
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D. We support “fair repair and right to repair” legislation that would allow farmers and independent mechanics access to diagnostic software, information and other tools in order to repair modern equipment.
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E. We support the Grand Farm Initiative and its efforts to advance agriculture technology and encourage a continued partnership with land-grant universities. 2. BIOTECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES Biotechnology genetically modified or enhanced organisms, gene therapy and transgenics are terms of increasing importance to producers. Biotechnology affects a broad range of issues including production, income, trade, farm business structure, environment and food safety. A. We are opposed to biotechnology being used to accelerate structural changes in U.S. agriculture that leads to further vertical integration of agribusiness and results in an even smaller share of the revenue from production going to the producer. B. We acknowledge concerns that biotechnology is being used as a trade barrier, however, we respect other nations’ sovereignty and food policies and urge open dialog, cooperation and understanding in trade negotiations relating to biotechnology. C. We recognize that biotechnology presents both opportunities and risks for producers and consumers; therefore, we urge each application of biotechnology and its impact to be weighed individually, rather than accepting or rejecting biotechnology as a whole. In addition, we urge all individual applications to be evaluated as to its overall impact, including any economic, social, political, environmental, health and safety issues that may arise due to the new technology. Genetic material resulting from plant breeding and biotechnological research done in publicly funded institutions must be disclosed and remain in the public domain rather than private patents.
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