,i #aacth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #efaf ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,september #ah1 #bjad ,ms4 ,kaptur 7for herself1 ,ms4 ,fudge1 ,ms4 ,moore1 ,ms4 ,norton1 ,ms4 ,matsui1 ,ms4 ,pingree of ,maine1 ,mr4 ,ryan of ,ohio1 ,mr4 ,mc,govern1 ,mr4 ,conyers1 and ,mr4 ,young of ,alaska7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,agriculture ,a ,,bill ,to promote and enhance urban agricultural production and agricultural research in urban areas1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,urban ,agriculture ,production ,act4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,findings4 ,sec4 #c4 ,urban agriculture outreach program4 ,sec4 #d4 ,covering urban farmers and ranchers under ,office of ,advocacy and ,outreach4 ,sec4 #e4 ,urban agriculture research initiative4 ,sec4 #f4 ,amending agriculture programs4 ,sec4 #g4 ,improving agricultural reporting4 #b4 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,dramatic economic1 demographic1 and land use changes have created pockets of arable land suitable for agricultural production in and around urban areas of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,advances in agricultural practices make production possible in and around urban areas that were previously cordoned off from agricultural production4 7#c7 ,there is a disconnect between daily urban life and food production that urban agriculture can help address4 7#d7 ,according to the ,economic ,research ,service of the ,department of ,agriculture1 direct sales of agricultural products have grown to #a1bjj1jjj1jjj with #hi percent of all sales coming from farms in urban metropolitan and adjacent areas4 7#e7 ,it is imperative to ensure that urban agricultural production remains a viable option to help meet the food production needs of the future4 #c4 ,urban agriculture outreach program 7a7 ,grants authorized ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall establish an urban agriculture outreach program under which the ,secretary shall award grants to eligible entities to support outreach activities for any of the following3 7#a7 ,infrastructure1 including distribution systems to support new or expanded agricultural production in and around urban areas 7as defined in section #bbf;,b7a7 of the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #ficd7;a7774 7#b7 ,land acquisition and land conversion to support new or expanded agricultural production in and around urban areas1 including in and around brownfields and other underutilized tracts of land4 7#c7 ,education and training to enhance agricultural production in and around urban areas4 7#d7 ,providing assistance to farmers or ranchers in urban areas with respect to the aggregation of the farmer's or rancher's products and supplies for purposes of transportation to market4 7#e7 ,other activities that support urban agricultural production as determined by the ,secretary4 7b7 ,term of grant 7#a7 ,in general ,the term of a grant awarded under this section shall be not less than one year4 7#b7 ,renewals ,a grant awarded under this section may be renewed at the discretion of the ,secretary4 7c7 ,priority ,in awarding grants under this section1 the ,secretary shall give a preference to eligible entities seeking a grant for outreach activities to be carried out in historically underserved communities 7as defined by the ,secretary74 7d7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means-- 7,a7 a community organization2 7,b7 a nonprofit organization2 7,c7 a municipality2 7,d7 a local educational agency 7as defined in section #iaja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja772 7,e7 an institution of higher education 7as defined in section #iaja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja772 or 7,f7 any other entity as determined by the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #ej1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjae and each fiscal year thereafter4 #d4 ,covering urban farmers and ranchers under ,office of ,advocacy and ,outreach ,section #bbf;,b of the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #ficd7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by adding at the end the following new paragraphs3 7#d7 ,urban area ,the term urban area means an area within a ,metropolitan ,statistical ,area 7as defined by the ,office of ,management and ,budget74 7#e7 ,urban farmer or rancher ,the term urban farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who owns or operates a farm or ranch in an urban area4 2 7#b7 in subsection 7b77#a7-- 7,a7 by redesignating clauses 7ii7 and 7iii7 as clauses 7iii7 and 7iv71 respectively2 and 7,b7 by inserting after clause 7i7 the following new clause3 7ii7 urban farmers or ranchers2 2 7#c7 in subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers and inserting socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers1 and urban farmers or ranchers2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking or socially disadvantaged and inserting socially disadvantaged1 or urban2 7,c7 in paragraph 7#e71 by striking and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers and inserting socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers1 and urban farmers or ranchers2 and 7,d7 in paragraph 7#f71 by inserting directly after programs2 7#d7 by redesignating subsection 7f7 as subsection 7g72 and 7#e7 by inserting after subsection 7e7 the following new subsection3 7f7 ,urban ,farmers and ,ranchers ,group 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish within the ,office the ,urban ,farmers and ,ranchers ,group4 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,urban ,farmers and ,ranchers ,group shall be composed of-- 7i7 seven employees of the ,department of ,agriculture1 each of whom shall represent a distinct mission area of the ,department2 and 7ii7 such other officers or employees of the ,united ,states as the ,secretary determines are necessary4 7,b7 ,pay ,officers and employees of the ,united ,states shall not receive additional compensation for service as a member of the ,group4 7#c7 ,duties ,the ,urban ,farmers and ,ranchers ,group shall-- 7,a7 carry out and administer the urban agriculture outreach program established under section #c of the ,urban ,agriculture ,production ,act2 7,b7 establish and administer an information clearinghouse on agricultural activities in urban areas1 including best practices2 7,c7 consult with public and private groups1 including research institutions1 on how to enhance agricultural production in urban areas2 and 7,d7 provide technical assistance to urban farmers and ranchers to assist such farmers and ranchers 7including urban gardeners7-- 7i7 in identifying appropriate land1 space1 or buildings for lease or purchase2 7ii7 in preparing loan applications1 identifying appropriate funding sources1 and by connecting such farmers and ranchers with loan officers and other appropriate personnel2 7iii7 in connecting to the network of farmers' markets throughout the ,united ,states2 7iv7 in diversifying the marketing plans of the farmers' or ranchers' products by encouraging the formation of community-supported agriculture groups and direct wholesale opportunities2 7v7 by providing for business development and management activities1 including professional development activities2 7vi7 with understanding and navigating municipal laws1 regulations1 ordinances1 and policies with respect to obtaining permits1 zoning1 and water access2 7vii7 with registering the farming business of such farmers or ranchers1 satisfying any legal requirements applicable to such registration 7including obtaining licenses and registrations71 and organizing an appropriate business structure2 and 7viii7 in establishing relationships with a wide range of field partners and in finding resources to assist such farmers or ranchers achieve efficient and viable production4 4 #e4 ,urban agriculture research initiative 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall award grants1 on a competitive basis1 for scientific research on promoting and enhancing agricultural production in urban areas 7as defined in section #bbf;,b7a7 of the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #ficd7;a7771 including1 with respect to improving production efficiency1 production1 and profitability-- 7#a7 marketing new innovations and technologies2 7#b7 methods to protect crops and agricultural products from pests and disease2 7#c7 methods to enhance food safety related to production2 and 7#d7 other research areas the ,secretary determines are appropriate4 7b7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate1 and make publicly available on the ,internet site of the ,department of ,agriculture1 a report summarizing the research conducted under subsection 7a74 7c7 ,funding ,of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation1 the ,secretary shall make available to carry out this section #bj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjae through #bjah4 #f4 ,amending agriculture programs 7a7 ,expansion of the farmers' market promotion program 7#a7 ,promotion program establishment ,section #f7;a7 of the ,farmer-to-,consumer ,direct ,marketing ,act of #aigf 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjje7;a77 is amended-- 7,a7 by inserting 1 loans1 or loan guarantees after make grants2 7,b7 by inserting or activities after projects2 and 7,c7 by striking development of local food business enterprises4 and inserting the following3 development of local food business enterprises1 including-- 7#a7 projects for the construction of new farmers' markets2 7#b7 projects for the improvement or rehabilitation of existing farmers' markets2 7#c7 projects for the acquisition of equipment for farmers' markets and other infrastructure needs2 7#d7 projects for the purchase1 acquisition1 and rehabilitation of land or property for use as a farmers' market2 7#e7 activities carried out through agri-tourism initiatives2 7#f7 marketing and advertising activities2 7#g7 transportation and delivery activities2 7#h7 education and outreach and activities to encourage farmers' markets participation in ,federal and ,state food and nutrition assistance programs2 7#i7 business development and management activities1 including professional development activities2 7#aj7 projects for the establishment of satellite locations of existing farmers' markets designed to increase sales in areas not easily accessible through traditional transportation2 and 7#aa7 activities carried out through planning and feasibility initiatives for new or expanding farmers' markets4 4 7#b7 ,purposes ,section #f of the ,farmer-to-,consumer ,direct ,marketing ,act of #aigf 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjje7 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking subsection 7b72 and 7,b7 by redesignating subsections 7c71 7d71 and 7e7 as subsections 7b71 7c71 and 7d71 respectively4 7#c7 ,eligibility ,subsection 7b7 of section #f of the ,farmer-to-,consumer ,direct ,marketing ,act of #aigf 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjje7 7as so redesignated7 is amended-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by inserting 1 loan1 or loan guarantee after grant2 7,b7 by striking paragraph 7#a7 and inserting the following new paragraph3 7#a7 a ,state government agency2 2 7,c7 in paragraph 7#b71 by inserting agency after government2 7,d7 by striking paragraphs 7#d7 and 7#e72 7,e7 by inserting after paragraph 7#c7 the following new paragraph3 7#d7 an operator of a farmers' market2 2 and 7,f7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#f7 and 7#g7 as paragraphs 7#e7 and 7#f71 respectively4 7#d7 ,priorities ,subsection 7d77#a7 of section #f of the ,farmer-to-,consumer ,direct ,marketing ,act of #aigf 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjje71 as redesignated by paragraph 7#b77;,b71 is amended by inserting or an urban area 7as defined in section #bbf;,b7a7 of the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #ficd7;a777 after regionally grown foods4 7#e7 ,interest rate2 ,application2 ,condition ,section #f of the ,farmer-to-,consumer ,direct ,marketing ,act of #aigf 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjje71 as amended by paragraph 7#b71 is further amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating subsections 7f7 and 7g7 as subsections 7h7 and 7i71 respectively2 and 7,b7 by inserting after subsection 7d7 7as redesignated by paragraph 7#b77;,b77 the following new subsections3 7e7 ,interest rate 7#a7 ,in general ,the interest rate on a loan under this section 7other than a loan guarantee under this section7 shall be as determined by the ,secretary1 but not less than such rate as determined by the ,secretary of the ,treasury taking into consideration the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the ,united ,states with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the maturities of such loan1 as determined by the ,secretary of the ,treasury on the date the loan is made4 7#b7 ,duration ,the interest rate for each loan under this section shall remain in effect for the term of the loan4 7f7 ,application ,an eligible entity seeking a grant1 loan1 or loan guarantee under this section shall submit to the ,secretary an application in such time and in such manner and containing such information as the ,secretary may require1 including documentation demonstrating the financial need of the entity4 7g7 ,condition ,as a condition of receiving a grant1 loan1 or loan guarantee under this section1 a recipient of such a grant1 loan1 or loan guarantee shall certify that the recipient will reserve1 for the sale of locally produced food products 7as determined by the ,secretary7 produced by farmers1 ranchers1 or aquaculture1 mariculture1 or fisheries operators1 or by associations of farmers1 ranchers1 or those operators1 not less than #ej percent of the floor area of a farmers' market-- 7#a7 that is operated or facilitated by the recipient2 and 7#b7 with respect to which grant or loan funds will be used4 4 7#f7 ,funding ,subsection 7i7 of section #f of the ,farmer-to-,consumer ,direct ,marketing ,act of #aigf 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjje7 7as redesignated by paragraph 7#d77 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by striking and at the end2 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,d71 by striking each of fiscal years #bjad through #bjah4 and inserting fiscal year #bjad2 and2 and 7iii7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,e7 #ej1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjae through #bjah4 2 7,b7 by striking paragraph 7#d7 and inserting the following new paragraph3 7#d7 ,use of funds 7,a7 ,,ebt ,not less than #aj percent of the funds used to carry out this section in a fiscal year under paragraph 7#a7 or 7#c7 shall be used to support the use of electronic benefits transfers for ,federal nutrition programs at farmers' markets4 7,b7 ,grants ,not less than #gj percent of the funds made available to carry out this section in a fiscal year shall be used to make grants to eligible entities4 2 and 7,c7 in paragraph 7#e7-- 7i7 in the heading1 by inserting technical assistance and before administrative expenses2 and 7ii7 by inserting to provide technical assistance or before for administrative expenses4 7b7 ,extension of and additional funding for seniors farmers' market nutrition program 7#a7 ,extension of program ,section #ddjb7;a7 of the ,farm ,security and ,rural ,investment ,act of #bjjb 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjg7;a77 is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall use funds available to the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation to carry out and expand a seniors farmers' market nutrition program in the following amounts3 7#a7 ,for fiscal year #bjae1 #be1jjj1jjj4 7#b7 ,for fiscal year #bjaf1 #ej1jjj1jjj4 7#c7 ,for fiscal year #bjag1 #ge1jjj1jjj4 7#d7 ,for each of fiscal years #bjah through #bjbj1 #ajj1jjj1jjj4 4 7#b7 ,purposes ,section #ddjb7;b77#a7 of the ,farm ,security and ,rural ,investment ,act of #bjjb 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjg7;b77#a77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking unprepared and inserting minimally processed2 and 7,b7 by striking and herbs and inserting herbs1 and other locally produced farm products1 as the ,secretary considers appropriate14 7#c7 ,administrative costs2 unexpended funds ,section #ddjb of the ,farm ,security and ,rural ,investment ,act of #bjjb 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjg7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7h7 ,administrative costs ,not more than #aj percent of the funds made available for a fiscal year under subsection 7a7 may be used to pay administrative costs incurred in carrying out this section4 7i7 ,unexpended funds ,to the extent the funds made available under subsection 7a7 for a fiscal year are not expended in that fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall use such funds in a subsequent fiscal year for the same purpose4 7j7 ,priorities ,in providing funds made available under this section1 the ,secretary shall give priority to farmers' markets that have an operational seniors farmers' market program and to seniors farmers' markets programs in historically underserved communities 7as defined by the ,secretary74 4 7c7 ,community food projects ,section #be of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcd7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a77#a7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,b7-- 7i7 in clause 7i7-- 7,i7 by striking 7i77,i7 and inserting the following3 7,a7 7i7 2 7,,ii7 by striking 7,,ii7 and inserting the following3 7ii7 2 and 7,,iii7 by striking 7,,iii7 and inserting the following3 7iii7 2 and 7ii7 in clause 7ii7-- 7,i7 by striking 7ii77,i7 and inserting the following3 7,b7 7i7 2 7,,ii7 by striking 7,,ii7 and inserting the following3 7ii7 2 and 7,,iii7 by striking 7,,iii7 and inserting the following3 7iii7 2 and 7,b7 by striking that-- and all that follows through 7,b7 is and inserting that is--2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b77#b77;,c71 by striking #i1jjj1jjj and inserting #aj1jjj1jjj4 #g4 ,improving agricultural reporting 7a7 ,evaluation of farmers' markets in census of agriculture ,section #b7;a7 of the ,census of ,agriculture ,act of #aiig 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bbjd;g7a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,inclusion of farmers' markets ,effective beginning with the first census of agriculture conducted after the date of the enactment of the ,urban ,agriculture ,production ,act1 the ,secretary shall include as part of each census of agriculture-- 7,a7 an evaluation of the state of farmers' markets in the ,united ,states1 including information regarding the size1 location1 operational capacity1 and geographic dispersion of farmers' markets and types of food products sold 7both in terms of product diversity and sales locations7 through farmers' markets2 and 7,b7 an analysis of the economic impact of farmers' markets1 including the success of ,federal programs in promoting and supporting farmers' markets4 4 7b7 ,coordinated annual report on farmers' markets ,beginning on the date that is #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act and each year thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall submit to ,congress and publish on the ,internet site of the ,department of ,agriculture a report on the status of farmers' markets in the ,united ,states4 ,such report shall include with respect to farmers' markets in the ,united ,states for each year1 the following information3 7#a7 ,the number of farmers' markets4 7#b7 ,the number of farmers' markets established during such year except that for the first year a report is submitted under this section1 the report shall include the number of farmers' markets for the five years immediately preceding the first reporting year4 7#c7 ,the economic value of an average farmers' market4 7#d7 ,the type of governmental assistance provided to farmers' markets4 7#e7 ,the products that are typically sold at farmers' markets4 7#f7 ,the number of farmers' markets that accept as a form of payment benefits distributed through-- 7,a7 the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq472 7,b7 the seniors farmers' market nutrition program established under section #ddjb of the ,farm ,security and ,rural ,investment ,act of #bjjb 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjg72 7,c7 the special supplemental nutrition program for women1 infants1 and children established under section #ag of the ,child ,nutrition ,act of #aiff 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aghf72 and 7,d7 any other ,federal or ,state nutrition assistance program as determined appropriate by the ,secretary4 7#g7 ,the methods through which farmers' markets process the forms of payment described in paragraph 7#f74 7#h7 ,the average income of a farmers' market operator4 7#i7 ,the average profit of a farmers' market operator4 7#aj7 ,the average expense of a farmers' market operator4 7#aa7 ,other occupations of operators of farmers' markets4 7#ab7 ,the percentage of food at farmers' markets that is locally produced4 7#ac7 ,any other information related to farmers' markets in the ,united ,states that the ,secretary determines is important to promote and enhance the use of farmers' markets4 7c7 ,report on status of agricultural production in and around urban areas ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act and not later than #ij days after the end of each fiscal year thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall submit a report to ,congress 7and make such report publicly available electronically7 on the status of agricultural production in urban areas 7as defined in section #bbf;,b7a7 of the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #ficd7;a7774 ,the report shall include-- 7#a7 with respect to agricultural production in urban areas1 information on-- 7,a7 the percentage and economic value of such production2 7,b7 the most popular type of agricultural activity in which individuals are engaged in such production2 7,c7 the most recent best practices for such production2 7,d7 the type of agricultural products marketed and sold through such production2 and 7,e7 the progress made toward strengthening local food systems in carrying out such production2 7#b7 an analysis of local government regulations1 including zoning1 that have supported or could support sustainable agricultural production in urban areas2 and 7#c7 recommendations on how to further agricultural production in urban areas4 7d7 ,performance goals ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall incorporate promoting and enhancing agricultural production in urban areas into the ,department of ,agriculture performance goals established in the agency performance plan under section #aaae of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 and updated in accordance with section #aaaf of such title4