Shenango Valley News

U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA), along with several colleagues, have introduced H.R. 9263, the Supporting Innovation in Agriculture Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to provide tax incentives to accelerate the deployment of innovative farming technologies for U.S. specialty crop producers.

"Agriculture supports one out of every ten jobs in Pennsylvania, making this industry a leading economic driver in the commonwealth. The Supporting Innovation in Agriculture Act will allow for farmers and agricultural leaders to not only succeed today, but it will allow them to better utilize innovative technologies to allow producers to succeed for years to come," said Rep. Kelly.

“California’s specialty crop producers are critical to our state and national economy. These tax incentives will no doubt help bolster our specialty crop industry here at home and across our nation. It’s great to join my colleagues to introduce the Supporting Innovation in Agriculture Act to prompt innovation and keep our farmers competitive on the world stage,” said Rep. Thompson.

“I’m pleased to co-sponsor this bipartisan bill that’s led by my friend and fellow Pennsylvanian Mike Kelly. This bill would encourage innovation in farming, including urban indoor and outdoor farms. One area of common ground is that all of our constituents eat food, and there are a lot of benefits when it’s homegrown in America!" said Rep. Evans.

“The Supporting Innovation in Agriculture Act will allow our agriculture industry to expand its use of innovative technologies, enhance domestic food production, and make prices more affordable for Americans,” said Congressman Miller. “I’m grateful to Chairman Kelly and Ranking Member Thompson for their leadership in making America’s food supply stronger and more resilient."

Tom Stenzel, Executive Director of the CEA Alliance, expressed support: “The CEA Alliance applauds Chairman Mike Kelly, Ranking Member Mike Thompson and Representatives Wenstrup, Evans, Valadao, Panetta, Miller, and Slotkin for introducing the Supporting Innovation in Agriculture Act.”

Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), also voiced approval: “Accelerating the deployment of innovative technologies for specialty crop producers will strengthen the resilience of our fresh food supply chains and help producers across the country grow more food with fewer resources.”

The act addresses concerns about recent supply chain disruptions, extreme weather conditions, pest pressures, rising food imports, inflationary pressures, and labor shortages affecting domestic fresh food supply resilience.

H.R. 9263 proposes a 10-year investment tax credit for specialty crop growers to offset high capital costs associated with precision agriculture technologies and controlled environment agriculture technologies.

The bill has garnered support from over 50 national and state organizations including the International Fresh Produce Association, FMI – The Food Industry Association, Agricultural Retailers Association among others. Additionally, state agriculture secretaries from over 20 states have endorsed it.