Reliable, High-Speed Broadband e-Connectivity is Essential for Louisiana Agricultural Production

By Dr. Carrie Castille, Louisiana Director, USDA Rural Development

High-speed broadband is vital for the future prosperity of the agricultural industry and rural communities. Broadband connects rural agricultural producers and agribusinesses to markets and customers around the world. From precision agriculture to interstate commerce, from small businesses to the global marketplace, rural e-Connectivity will transform the American economy.

Broadband and Next Generation Precision Agriculture are critical components for creating access to world-class resources, tools and economic opportunities for America’s farmers and producers. USDA is committed to doing our part to clear the way for nationwide broadband connectivity that will allow the next generation of precision agriculture technologies to thrive and expand.

USDA recently unveiled a groundbreaking report, A Case for Rural Broadband: Insights on Rural Broadband Infrastructure and Next Generation Precision Agriculture Technologies, which finds that deployment of both broadband e-Connectivity and Next Generation Precision Agriculture Technology on farms and ranches throughout the U.S. could result in at least $47 billion in national economic benefits every year. 

The report also finds that if broadband infrastructure and digital technologies at scale were available at a level that meets estimated producer demand, the U.S. economy could realize benefits equivalent to nearly 18 percent of total agriculture production. Please download A Case For Rural Broadband for additional insights on the benefits of connected agriculture technologies.

For many years, USDA and the American agriculture industry have been actively researching the feasibility, usage and potential upside of Next Generation Precision Agriculture technologies. Until now though, the interdependency of these technologies and broadband e-Connectivity has not been evaluated. The report explores this symbiotic relationship and quantifies the potential economic benefit of broadband buildout and the complementary adoption of connected agriculture technologies.

Going forward, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be engaged in multiple facets of infrastructure and technology deployment, including financing rural capital investments and supporting producers who are exploring which Next Generation Precision Agriculture Technologies are best suited to improve their operations and serve their customers.

USDA Rural Development offers substantial financial assistance through loans, grants and loan/grant combinations with very attractive terms for modern broadband e-Connectivity in rural communities. 

Today’s agriculture industry is more diverse and more vibrant than ever. Through public-private partnerships and innovative solutions, I look forward to working with rural communities and service providers to find transformative solutions to rural e-Connectivity infrastructure needs. USDA is committed to keeping pace with the needs of American agriculture to keep agricultural producers and agribusinesses profitable and help create middle-class jobs across the state. To let us know how we can best serve your needs, please contact me at carrie.castille@la.usda.gov or (318) 473-7921.