To establish the Commission on National Agricultural Statistics Service Modernization to modernize the data collection and reporting processes of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, and for other purposes.
This bill would create the Commission on National Agricultural Statistics Service Modernization to study and recommend how the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) can modernize its data collection and reporting. The goal is to improve data quality, better reflect national, regional, and local differences, reduce survey burden by adopting new technologies, and incorporate real-time environmental data to supplement traditional surveys. The Commission would produce a two-year report with an inventory of current surveys and concrete recommendations, including potential administrative, regulatory, and legislative changes and estimated implementation costs. It also aims to engage stakeholders throughout the process. The Commission would consist of 11 members from NASS, ERS, USDA, BLS, and congressional appointees from the Senate and House Agriculture committees. It would have a defined timeline for appointments and meetings, authority to request information from federal agencies, and funding for administrative support. It would operate outside the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and it would terminate on September 30, 2030. An initial $1 million is authorized for fiscal year 2026 to support its work.
Key Points
- 1Purpose and scope of the Commission: Establishes a dedicated body to study and recommend modernization of NASS data collection, reporting processes, and use of new technologies to improve data quality, timeliness, and relevance, including specialty crops and real-time data integration.
- 2Commission composition and appointment timeline: 11 members including NASS Administrator, ERS Administrator, USDA Chief Economist, World Agricultural Outlook Board chair, a BLS representative, and 3 Senate and 3 House members (with specific appointment rules). All appointments due within 60 days of enactment; initial meeting within 60 days after all members are appointed.
- 3Deliverables and timeline: By two years after enactment, the Commission must submit a report to the President and relevant committees, including an inventory of NASS surveys and frequency, plus recommendations for changes and estimated costs.
- 4Stakeholder and information access: Requires ongoing stakeholder engagement and allows the Commission to request information from federal agencies to carry out its duties.
- 5Funding and termination: Authorization of $1,000,000 for FY2026 to support Commission activities; Commission terminates on September 30, 2030.