USDA Surveys Farmers on High-Tech Growing Tools
Published Date: 6/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA’s Economic Research Service wants to learn how farmers growing specialty crops like fruits and veggies use cool tech like precision and digital agriculture. They’re asking for public comments by August 21, 2026, before launching a new survey that could help farmers save money, fight pests smarter, and boost productivity. This effort aims to make farming more high-tech and profitable without costing farmers extra right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Time Cost: 30-Minute Survey Burden
If you are a specialty crop farmer, responding to the USDA survey would take about 30 minutes per respondent. The agency estimates 1,050 respondents and a total annual burden of 1,500 hours for the collection.
Research to Boost Specialty Crop Profitability
USDA will use the survey data to study precision and digital agriculture adoption in specialty crops to support research intended to increase farmer profitability, protect against invasive species, and promote soil health. The agency says this effort could help farmers save money, fight pests smarter, and boost productivity without costing farmers extra right now.
Confidentiality Protections for Respondents
Survey responses will be protected under the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act (CIPSEA) of 2018, and ERS employees and contractors must comply with those protections. This means the data collection includes statutory confidentiality safeguards for participants.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17929, Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Economic Research Service (ERS) to request an extension of a currently approved information collection titled "Data Security Requirements for Accessing Confidential Data." ERS plans to collect information from the public to fulfill its data security requirements when providing access to restricted use data for the purpose of evidence building. ERS's data security agreements and other paperwork along with the corresponding security protocols allow ERS to maintain careful controls on confidentiality and privacy, as required by law.
2026-22944, Modification to Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults
This new rule changes work requirements for able-bodied adults on SNAP, giving some people more time before they lose benefits if they don’t work or train. It updates who can skip the time limit, adds special exceptions for Alaska and Hawaii, and tightens rules for requesting waivers. These changes could affect many SNAP participants starting after the rule is finalized, aiming to make the program fairer and clearer.
2026-22936, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Reforming Categorical Eligibility
This new rule changes who can automatically qualify for food help through SNAP. Only families getting direct cash help from TANF will qualify, not those getting other types of TANF services. This means SNAP benefits will better target families who really need them, starting after the comment period ends on December 10, 2026.
2026-22679, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Online Ordering and Transactions and Food Delivery Revisions To Meet the Needs of a Modern, Data-Driven Program
Starting December 7, 2026, the WIC program is getting a tech upgrade! This means easier online ordering, smoother food delivery, and better use of data to help moms, babies, and kids get healthy food faster. States will have new tools to modernize WIC while keeping everything secure and fair, with clear deadlines to follow and room for feedback until January 5, 2027.
2026-21658, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Electronic Benefits Transfer Card Security Measures
The USDA is proposing new rules to make SNAP EBT cards safer and easier to use by updating their technology to match modern payment systems. These changes will help protect benefits from theft and make sure approved families can access their food aid without hassle. People can share their thoughts on these updates until December 22, 2026, with no immediate cost changes announced.
2026-19532, Amendments To Import Requirements for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
The USDA is proposing to shorten the waiting time for importing live birds and bird products from 90 days to 28 days after a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak. This change helps foreign exporters get back to business faster while keeping the U.S. safe from bird flu. If you’re involved in bird imports, get ready to comment by November 23, 2026, and watch for updates that could speed up trade without extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12359, Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993-1EdTech Consortium, Inc.
1EdTech Consortium just updated its membership by adding new members from places like Germany, Chile, India, and several U.S. schools, while some others, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, have left. These changes keep the group’s antitrust protections active, meaning members are only responsible for actual damages if legal issues arise. No big money changes or new activities are planned, and membership stays open for more to join anytime.
Next: 2026-12361, Orleans International, Inc., Complainant v. Hapag Lloyd AG, Respondent; Notice of Filing of Amended Complaint
Orleans International is taking on Hapag Lloyd AG for charging fees unfairly when Orleans couldn’t pick up or return containers on time due to reasons beyond their control. This amended complaint kicks off a legal showdown with key deadlines coming up in 2026 and 2027. If you’re watching shipping fees and container rules, this case could shake things up!