LAST ACRE Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create the LAST ACRE PROGRAM to _expand high‑speed internet to the 'last acre' for precision agriculture_ and speed last‑mile broadband deployment to unserved and underserved farm land. It pairs competitive grants and loans with technical standards for on‑farm devices and buildout deadlines to support precision farming tools and mobility.
Show full summary
- Farmers and ranchers on eligible land would gain access to qualifying connectivity that must provide at least 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream, enabling connected tractors, irrigation systems, drones, sensors, and livestock facilities. Limited‑resource farmers could receive up to 90% federal cost share while most projects are capped at 80%.
- Broadband and wireless providers can compete for funding through a registration and bid process that prioritizes lowest cost and proven ability to meet speeds and mobility; projects have a maximum 4‑year buildout window and face standardized penalties for missed milestones.
- The USDA would add farm broadband questions to National Agricultural Statistics Service surveys and the Census of Agriculture and allow Agricultural Research Service centers to be covered producers while capping ARS center annual funding at 10% of program assistance.
*Would authorize $20 million a year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, increasing federal spending over that period.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Grants cover up to 90% of costs
The program would usually pay up to 80% of a project’s cost. If the farm is a limited resource producer, it could pay up to 90%; a non‑Federal share would still be required. Providers could use some award funds to meet cybersecurity needs. No more than 10% of yearly funds could go to certain USDA research centers. A limited resource farmer would mean farm sales of at most $100,000 (inflation‑adjusted since 2002) in each of the past two years, and household income at or below the poverty level for a family of four or under 50% of the county median; proof could be required. USDA research centers would not qualify as limited resource producers.
New farm broadband grant program
This bill would create a new USDA program within one year to fund farm connectivity. It would offer competitive grants and loans to providers to serve unserved or underserved farm and ranch land. Service would need speeds of at least 100 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up and could connect farm buildings, equipment, sensors, or support towers and poles. A “covered producer” would be someone who earns most income from producing crops or livestock on eligible land; certain USDA research centers would also count.
Bid rules, challenges, and 4-year deadline
The Secretary would run open, competitive bids and post applications at least every 30 days, with email alerts within 24 hours. Providers could challenge coverage claims within 45 business days; the agency would decide within 90 business days, and no awards would be made until challenges end. Competing bids would be due in 120 days; the lowest‑cost, reliable bidder would be picked, with priority to remote unserved land. The agency could favor speeds above 100/20 Mbps when needed and could not fund serviceable homes or service outside the eligible land. Winning projects would face set milestones and a hard four‑year buildout limit, with penalties for misses. Provider sign‑up would be voluntary and limited to basic info, and any proprietary bid data would be protected as allowed by law.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1]
MN • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21]
CA • D
Sponsored 5/6/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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