Federal Register #2026-12360

USDA ERS Seeks Public Comment on Survey for Precision and Digital Agriculture in Specialty Crops

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service (ERS) is seeking public comment on a proposed new information collection focused on precision and digital agriculture in specialty crops. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Economic Research Service (ERS) - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are mentioned, as this is an information collection effort, not a procurement of products or services - Products/Services Requested: - Survey of Precision and Digital Agriculture use in Specialty Crops - Collects data from specialty crop producers and crop consultants nationwide - Focuses on technology adoption, barriers (costs, connectivity, skills), drivers (savings, risk management), pest management, labor, productivity, and net returns - Estimated 1,050 annual respondents, 1,500 total annual burden hours - SBIR/STTR Programs Lifecycle Certification Information Collection - Gathers compliance information from small businesses participating in SBIR/STTR programs (administered by NIFA, USDA) - Estimated 180 annual respondents - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Participation in the survey is voluntary - Data will be collected online and by phone - The survey targets specialty crops such as potatoes, fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts - The information collection supports research and policy development, not direct procurement of goods or services

Description

The Economic Research Service (ERS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing a new information collection titled "Survey of Precision and Digital Agriculture use in Specialty Crops." This survey aims to study farmers' adoption of precision and digital agriculture technologies in specialty crops such as potatoes, fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts across the United States. The data collected will provide insights into adoption rates, barriers, drivers, and the impact on productivity and net returns. Participation is voluntary, and the survey will be conducted online and by phone with a representative sample of specialty crop producers or their designated crop consultants.

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