,,ii #aadth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #cdbj ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,september #bh1 #bjaf ,ms4 ,stabenow introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry ,a ,,bill ,to promote urban agricultural production1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,urban ,agriculture ,act of #bjaf4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,definition of ,secretary4 ,sec4 #c4 ,congressional findings and declaration of purposes4 ,,title ,i--,outreach1 coordination1 and new policy ,sec4 #aja4 ,office of ,urban ,agriculture4 ,,title ,,ii--,farm enterprise development ,sec4 #bja4 ,farm business planning program4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,urban agriculture cooperatives4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,risk management4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,expanded loans for farm equipment4 ,,title ,,iii--,a healthier environment ,sec4 #cja4 ,soil assessment4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,innovative urban conservation4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,pilot projects to increase community compost4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,healthy food healthy environment pilot program4 ,,title ,,iv--,research1 innovation1 and technology ,sec4 #dja4 ,urban food production and market data initiatives4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,data collection on urban agriculture4 ,sec4 #djc4 ,urban agriculture research1 education1 and extension initiative4 #b4 ,definition of ,secretary ,in this ,act1 the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 #c4 ,congressional findings and declaration of purposes 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds that-- 7#a7 agricultural producers are developing innovative agricultural production methods and using traditional production methods in innovative locations2 7#b7 those urban agricultural practices have the potential-- 7,a7 to create jobs and workforce development2 7,b7 to increase food production2 7,c7 to support local food infrastructure2 7,d7 to create new regional markets for agricultural producers1 consumers1 and businesses2 7,e7 to revitalize abandoned or underused property and buildings2 7,f7 to enhance urban green space and improve air quality2 7,g7 to provide pollinator habitat2 7,h7 to encourage community engagement2 7,i7 to mitigate stormwater runoff2 7,j7 to create energy efficiencies2 7,k7 to strengthen relationships between urban consumers and agriculture2 and 7,l7 to inspire a new generation of agricultural producers in the ,united ,states2 and 7#c7 to realize those benefits1 the ,secretary should comprehensively incorporate urban agriculture into the vision of the ,department of ,agriculture to provide economic opportunity through innovation1 promoting agricultural production that-- 7,a7 better nourishes the people of the ,united ,states2 and 7,b7 preserves the natural resources of the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,purposes ,the purposes of this ,act are-- 7#a7 to establish a consistent and coordinated approach within the ,department of ,agriculture to support urban agriculture2 7#b7 to articulate a broadly inclusive description of urban agriculture that includes-- 7,a7 new and innovative agricultural practices2 7,b7 traditional agricultural practices in nontraditional locations2 and 7,c7 for-profit and nonprofit production methods2 and 7#c7 to promote activities including urban farming1 edible gardens1 green walls1 rooftop agriculture1 and indoor vertical farms4 ,i ,outreach1 coordination1 and new policy #aja4 ,office of ,urban ,agriculture 7a7 ,in general ,the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fija et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subtitle ,j as subtitle ,k2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #bhe 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #gjje7 the following3 ,j ,urban agriculture #bhf4 ,office of ,urban ,agriculture 7a7 ,office 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish in the ,agricultural ,marketing ,service an ,office of ,urban ,agriculture1 which shall be headed by a ,director appointed by the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,authorities ,the ,office of ,urban ,agriculture shall manage programs1 coordinate agencies1 and advise the ,secretary on urban agriculture and urban food systems1 including-- 7,a7 engaging in external relations with urban agriculture stakeholders2 7,b7 facilitating interagency and cross-government program coordination2 7,c7 creating resources that identify common ,state and municipal best practices for navigating local policies2 7,d7 developing and implementing new policy recommendations2 7,e7 identifying and working with agencies to update existing guidance for which agricultural programs may not have clear policies for urban production2 7,f7 coordinating resources for technical assistance1 training1 and outreach2 and 7,g7 other activities as determined by the ,secretary4 7b7 ,urban ,agriculture ,advisory ,committee 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall establish an ,urban ,agriculture ,advisory ,committee 7referred to in this subsection as the ,committee7 to advise the ,secretary on-- 7,a7 the development of urban agriculture production policies2 and 7,b7 any other aspects of the implementation of-- 7i7 this section2 and 7ii7 the ,urban ,agriculture ,act of #bjaf and amendments made by that ,act4 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,committee shall be composed of #ae members of whom-- 7i7 #c shall be individuals who are urban agricultural producers2 7ii7 #a shall be an individual who is an agricultural producer2 7iii7 #b shall be individuals with farm-to-school expertise2 7iv7 #b shall be representatives from an institution of higher education or extension program2 7v7 #a shall be an individual who represents a public health organization2 7vi7 #a shall be an individual who represents an environmental organization2 7vii7 #a shall be an individual who represents a business development entity2 7viii7 #a shall be an individual who represents a city government or is an urban planner2 7ix7 #a shall be an individual who represents an urban food aggregator2 7x7 #a shall be an individual who has extensive experience with farmers markets2 and 7xi7 #a shall be an individual from a nonprofit or advocacy group4 7,b7 ,initial appointments ,the ,secretary shall appoint the members of the ,committee not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this section4 7#c7 ,period of appointment2 vacancies 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 a member of the ,committee shall be appointed for a term of #c years4 7,b7 ,initial appointments ,of the members first appointed to the ,committee-- 7i7 the members described in clauses 7i7 through 7iii7 of paragraph 7#b77;,a7 shall be appointed for a term of #c years2 7ii7 the members described in clauses 7iv7 through 7vii7 of paragraph 7#b77;,a7 shall be appointed for a term of #b years2 and 7iii7 the members described in clauses 7viii7 through 7xi7 of paragraph 7#b77;,a7 shall be appointed for a term of #a year4 7,c7 ,vacancies ,any vacancy in the ,committee-- 7i7 shall not affect the powers of the ,committee2 and 7ii7 shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment4 7#d7 ,meetings 7,a7 ,frequency ,the ,committee shall meet not fewer than #c times per year4 7,b7 ,initial meeting ,not later than #fj days after the date on which the members are appointed under paragraph 7#b77;,b71 the ,committee shall hold the first meeting of the ,committee4 7#e7 ,duties 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,committee shall-- 7i7 develop recommendations regarding-- 7,i7 the implementation of-- 7aa7 this section2 and 7bb7 the ,urban ,agriculture ,act of #bjaf and amendments made by that ,act2 and 7,,ii7 the establishment of ongoing urban agriculture policy priorities and goals2 7ii7 review emerging policies and initiatives within the ,office of ,urban ,agriculture2 7iii7 evaluate and review ongoing research and extension activities2 7iv7 identify new and existing barriers to successful urban agriculture practices2 and 7v7 provide additional assistance and advice to the ,secretary as appropriate4 7,b7 ,reports ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this section1 and every year thereafter1 the ,committee shall submit to the ,secretary a report describing the activities of the ,committee under subparagraph 7,a74 7#f7 ,personnel matters 7,a7 ,compensation ,a member of the ,committee shall serve without compensation4 7,b7 ,travel expenses ,a member of the ,committee shall be allowed travel expenses1 including per diem in lieu of subsistence1 in accordance with section #egjc of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#g7 ,termination 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 the ,committee shall terminate on the date that is #e years after the date on which the members are appointed under paragraph 7#b77;,b74 7,b7 ,extensions ,before the date on which the ,committee terminates1 the ,secretary may renew the ,committee for one or more #b-year periods4 7c7 ,community garden program ,the ,secretary shall continue1 within the ,office of ,urban ,agriculture1 a community garden program1 under which the ,director of the ,office of ,urban ,agriculture shall-- 7#a7 develop tools and offer technical assistance1 education1 and resources for community gardening and community master gardener classes1 in partnership with the ,national ,institute of ,food and ,agriculture2 7#b7 consult with ,federal building property managers to develop community gardens on ,federal property2 7#c7 coordinate a network of community gardens across the ,united ,states2 7#d7 facilitate connections to local food banks1 in partnership with the ,food and ,nutrition ,service2 and 7#e7 carry out other activities1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7d7 ,rooftop agriculture and outdoor vertical production program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish within the ,office of ,urban ,agriculture a rooftop agriculture and outdoor vertical production program4 7#b7 ,activities ,the rooftop agriculture and outdoor vertical production program shall include activities relating to-- 7,a7 providing technical assistance on the planning and development of a rooftop farm2 7,b7 providing educational opportunities on innovative and sustainable production methods2 7,c7 coordinating and sharing best practices of rooftop agricultural producers2 7,d7 collaborating with other ,federal agencies that support green infrastructure improvements2 and 7,e7 entering into cooperative agreements to conduct research and test strategies that-- 7i7 develop new markets for products produced on rooftops2 7ii7 evaluate rooftop farm feasibility2 7iii7 determine building material efficiencies and upgrades to ensure structural safety and efficiency of rooftop farms2 7iv7 measure environmental impacts of rooftop farms and green roofs2 7v7 work with a network of farms to streamline production2 7vi7 optimize growing potential for products grown on a rooftop2 and 7vii7 support other priorities important to rooftop farming1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7e7 ,urban agriculture program review 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall review the programs established under this section and other programs in the ,department that support urban agriculture4 7#b7 ,requirements ,the review conducted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 a comprehensive analysis of resources of the ,department2 7,b7 a description of programs used by urban agricultural producers2 7,c7 a review of outreach activities and program promotion2 7,d7 an evaluation of updated policies and guidance documents2 7,e7 a review of internal collaboration and coordination2 7,f7 an evaluation of urban agricultural ordinances adopted by ,state and local governments2 and 7,g7 any priorities identified by the ,secretary4 7#c7 ,report ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate a report describing the review conducted under paragraph 7#a74 7f7 ,urban agriculture impact study 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall conduct a comprehensive study of urban agricultural activities to evaluate the impacts of urban agriculture across the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,requirements ,the study conducted under paragraph 7#a7 shall measure-- 7,a7 the community and social benefits of urban agricultural activities2 7,b7 potential production2 7,c7 agricultural production site availability1 including-- 7i7 urban farm land2 7ii7 rooftop production sites2 7iii7 outdoor vertical growing spaces2 and 7iv7 indoor production sites2 7,d7 suitability of land for food production2 7,e7 the effectiveness of methods used to address food security2 7,f7 new job opportunities and workforce development2 7,g7 economic feasibility and opportunities created2 7,h7 environmental impacts2 and 7,i7 other activities1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7#c7 ,report ,not later than #b years after date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate a report describing the study conducted under paragraph 7#a74 7g7 ,grant authority 7#a7 ,definition of eligible entity ,in this subsection1 the term eligible entity means-- 7,a7 a community organization2 7,b7 a nonprofit organization2 7,c7 a municipality2 7,d7 a school or institution of higher education2 and 7,e7 any other entity as determined by the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,grants ,the ,director of the ,office of ,urban ,agriculture may award competitive grants to eligible entities-- 7,a7 to support urban agriculture development2 7,b7 to better coordinate program delivery2 and 7,c7 to enhance community gardens4 7#c7 ,funding priority ,in awarding grants under this subsection1 priority shall be given to an eligible entity that uses a grant received under this subsection-- 7,a7 7i7 7,i7 to plan and assess sites for gardens or nonprofit farms2 or 7,,ii7 to construct new gardens or nonprofit farms2 7ii7 to operate community gardens or nonprofit farms that-- 7,i7 produce food for donation2 and 7,,ii7 have a demonstrated environmental benefit and educational component2 and 7iii7 to educate a community on-- 7,i7 nutrition2 or 7,,ii7 pollinator health2 or 7,b7 for other priorities1 as designated by the ,secretary4 7#d7 ,mandatory funding ,of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation1 the ,secretary shall use to carry out this subsection #e1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjag through #bjba1 to remain available until expended4 7h7 ,producer assistance ,of the funds made available under subsection 7j71 the ,secretary shall provide #ej percent to cooperative extension services 7as defined in section #adjd of the ,national ,agricultural ,research1 ,extension1 and ,teaching ,policy ,act of #aigg 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cajc77 for the purpose of carrying out outreach and technical assistance provided under this section4 7i7 ,farm numbers ,the ,secretary shall provide for the designation of a farm number 7as defined in section #gah4b of title #g1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on the date of enactment of the ,urban ,agriculture ,act of #bjaf77 for rooftop farms1 indoor farms1 and other urban farms1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7j7 ,authorization of appropriations ,in addition to amounts made available under subsection 7g77#d71 there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #aj1jjj1jjj for each fiscal year4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #bif7;b7 of the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #gjad7;b77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#i7 ,the authority of the ,secretary to carry out subtitle ,j4 4 ,,ii ,farm enterprise development #bja4 ,farm business planning program ,subtitle ,d of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act is amended by inserting after section #cfe 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjh7 the following3 #cff4 ,farm business planning program 7a7 ,definition of urban farmer ,in this section1 the term urban farmer means a beginning farmer or rancher that is farming in an urban area1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7b7 ,requirement ,the ,secretary shall1 with respect to urban farmers-- 7#a7 identify and improve farm business education programs2 and 7#b7 provide1 and facilitate the provision of1 technical assistance4 7c7 ,review and implementation of business development programs 7#a7 ,program review ,the ,secretary shall conduct a review of all farm business planning1 education1 outreach1 and technical assistance programs provided to beginning farmers and ranchers1 with a focus on urban farmers1 to identify methods-- 7,a7 to improve program delivery and outreach2 7,b7 to improve the longevity of new farm enterprises2 7,c7 to increase financial literacy2 7,d7 to provide more ongoing business support2 7,e7 to develop and maintain good agricultural practices and food safety recordkeeping materials2 and 7,f7 to examine ways to improve interagency interoperability of administrative and statistical data4 7#b7 ,collaboration ,the ,secretary shall consult and collaborate with other ,federal agencies to review related business development programs for beginning farmers and ranchers4 7#c7 ,program implementation ,after completing the program review described in paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 develop and adopt best practices for program delivery and provide the best practices to urban farmers2 7,b7 implement strategies to improve the business planning1 budget skills1 and financial literacy of urban farmers2 and 7,c7 based on the findings of the program review1 develop and implement performance metrics across the ,department of ,agriculture to improve financial success for each farmer-- 7i7 with little or no credit history2 or 7ii7 that is unable to qualify for traditional lines of credit4 7d7 ,farm management and professional development program 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish and administer a voluntary program of farmer-to-farmer assistance and mentorship between-- 7,a7 established farmers1 ranchers1 and agribusiness specialists2 and 7,b7 beginning farmers and ranchers4 7#b7 ,goals ,the goals of the program under this subsection shall be-- 7,a7 to provide to beginning farmers and ranchers 7with a focus on urban farmers7 assistance in farm business management practices by improving-- 7i7 agribusiness acumen2 7ii7 marketing operations2 7iii7 the establishment of recordkeeping systems2 7iv7 integrated use of risk management tools2 and 7v7 credit management2 7,b7 to transfer the knowledge and expertise of established agricultural producers and businesses1 on an individual basis to beginning farmers and ranchers that desire to participate in an ongoing mentorship and professional development program2 or 7,c7 to encourage the development of other farm-to-farm exchange programs for beginning farmers and ranchers for expanded learning and training opportunities4 7e7 ,reports to ,congress 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,urban ,agriculture ,act of #bjaf1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate a report that includes-- 7,a7 a description of the programs under this section2 7,b7 an outline of intended future performance metrics-- 7i7 to improve the effectiveness of farm business development2 7ii7 to support the collection of additional information on agricultural producer retention2 and 7iii7 to increase new market opportunities2 and 7,c7 performance metrics that are specific to urban farmers4 7#b7 ,annual progress report ,each year during the #e-year period beginning on the date on which the ,secretary submits the report described in paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committees described in that paragraph an annual progress report on the performance metrics outlined in the report described in paragraph 7#a74 7f7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #b1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjag through #bjba4 4 #bjb4 ,urban agriculture cooperatives ,section #caj;,b7e77#b7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aicb7;e77#b77 is amended by inserting 1 including centers located outside rural areas only if the focus of the activities of the center is agricultural production before the period at the end4 #bjc4 ,risk management ,section #aif of the ,federal ,agriculture ,improvement and ,reform ,act of #aiif 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #gccc7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7e77#a71 by inserting 1 except for urban agriculture production sites before the period at the end2 7#b7 in subsection 7l7-- 7,a7 by redesignating paragraph 7#e7 as paragraph 7#f72 and 7,b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#d7 the following3 7#e7 ,alternative price calculations ,as an alternative to the average market price calculation under paragraph 7#a77;,b71 and notwithstanding any other provision of this section1 the ,secretary may make assistance available to producers under this subsection on a whole-farm1 revenue1 or yield basis using contract or local prices1 as determined by the ,secretary4 2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7m7 ,cost-,share ,in addition to the coverage described in subsection 7l77#d71 the ,secretary1 acting through the ,administrator of the ,farm ,service ,agency1 shall provide a #ejj cost-share program for limited resource1 beginning1 and socially disadvantaged farmers for the first year of coverage of those farmers under this section4 4 #bjd4 ,expanded loans for farm equipment 7a7 ,cooperative ,loans for ,cooperatives of ,farmers ,section #caf7;a7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aidf7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,loans to cooperatives ,notwithstanding subtitle ,a or this subtitle1 the liability for a farm ownership loan or a farm operating loan under those subtitles to a cooperative of family farm farmers shall not be required to attach to the individual members of the cooperative1 as determined by the ,secretary4 4 7b7 ,farm ,storage ,facility ,loans ,section #e7;a7 of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation ,charter ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #gad;c7a77 is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following3 1 including farm storage facility loans to farmers for agriculturally related1 nonfarm enterprises that support agricultural operations 7as determined by the ,secretary74 ,,iii ,a healthier environment #cja4 ,soil assessment ,subtitle ,j of the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid 7as amended by section #aja7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bhg4 ,soil assessment 7a7 ,soil ,consultation 7#a7 ,soil testing protocol ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,under ,secretary of ,agriculture for ,natural ,resources and ,environment and the ,under ,secretary of ,agriculture for ,research1 ,education1 and ,economics1 shall establish a coordinated soil testing protocol to simplify the process used by agricultural producers and small-scale producers of food to evaluate soil health1 including testing for-- 7,a7 the optimal level of constituents in and characteristics of the soil1 such as organic matter1 nutrients1 and the potential presence of soil contamination from heavy metals such as lead or other contaminants2 and 7,b7 biological and physical characteristics indicative of proper soil functioning4 7#b7 ,research 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,chief of the ,natural ,resources ,conservation ,service and the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,food and ,agriculture1 shall coordinate and conduct research to inform the soil testing protocol and soil remediation practices with respect to soil contaminated with high levels of heavy metals or other contaminants-- 7i7 to remediate1 or otherwise manage appropriately1 the soil2 and 7ii7 to assess and manage for proper soil functioning the soil for sustained biological and physical health4 7,b7 ,requirements ,the ,secretary shall-- 7i7 determine metrics used to measure soil health1 quality1 and safety2 7ii7 in coordination with the heads of other ,federal agencies1 as appropriate1 develop agricultural best practices with respect to soil contaminated with undesirable levels of heavy metals or other contaminants-- 7,i7 to remediate1 or otherwise manage appropriately1 the soil before agricultural production begins on the land2 and 7,,ii7 to maintain the health of the soil for future use2 and 7iii7 evaluate soil quality for food production4 7#c7 ,consultation 7,a7 ,in general ,an eligible entity described in subparagraph 7,b7 may seek technical assistance from the ,secretary about options to evaluate soil health1 safety1 and quality of urban soils and contaminated or degraded land to ensure the soil used by agricultural producers is suitable for producing agricultural products for human consumption4 7,b7 ,eligible entities ,an eligible entity may include-- 7i7 an agricultural producer2 7ii7 a nonprofit organization2 7iii7 a school or institution of higher education2 7iv7 a community gardener2 7v7 a ,state1 local1 or tribal government2 and 7vi7 another entity as determined by the ,secretary4 7#d7 ,referral ,the ,secretary shall refer any eligible entity receiving consultation under paragraph 7#c7 that the ,secretary determines has a high level of contamination to the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency for remediation under section #ajd7k7 of the ,comprehensive ,environmental ,response1 ,compensation1 and ,liability ,act of #aihj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ifjd7k774 7#e7 ,evaluation ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate a report that evaluates the overall effectiveness of this subsection4 7b7 ,soil testing and remediation practices 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a national soil testing and remediation program to provide technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers for-- 7,a7 implementing the soil testing protocol under subsection 7a77#a7 for determining the suitability of the soil of the agricultural producer for-- 7i7 producing agricultural products for human consumption2 and 7ii7 continued agricultural production2 and 7,b7 adopting practices to mitigate any soil contamination or degradation found as a result of the soil testing4 7#b7 ,technical assistance and producer remediation ,the ,secretary shall provide information1 resources1 and other technical assistance to agricultural producers that shall include-- 7,a7 an initial assessment of soil test results2 7,b7 a determination of soil quality1 soil health1 and level of contamination of soil-- 7i7 to limit contaminants from entering agricultural products for human consumption2 and 7ii7 to regenerate and sustain the soil2 7,c7 the provision of resources and best practices to agricultural producers regarding methods to keep soils healthy2 7,d7 education1 outreach1 and technical assistance regarding the uses of soil and methods of addressing soil contamination and soil health degradation2 and 7,e7 recommendations on methods to conduct remediation or soil building efforts to improve soils and ensure that the agriculture producers-- 7i7 are not growing products in soils with high levels of heavy metals or other contaminants2 7ii7 have appropriate information regarding methods and programs to assist with soil remediation2 and 7iii7 have access to experts that can provide assistance to oversee and monitor soil under remediation or regeneration to ensure soils are suitable for agriculture production in the future4 7#c7 ,soil testing and remediation practices ,the ,secretary shall expand covered practices under the environmental quality incentives program established under chapter #d of subtitle ,d of title ,,xii of the ,food ,security ,act of #aihe 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #chci;aa et seq47 to include-- 7,a7 soil tests for-- 7i7 heavy metals or other contaminants2 and 7ii7 biological and physical soil health2 and 7,b7 producer soil remediation practices as determined by the ,secretary4 7#d7 ,reporting ,not later than ,march #a of each year1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate a report that describes the requests by1 disbursements to1 and expenditures for each ,state under this subsection during the current and previous fiscal year1 including the number of agricultural producers served by the program under this subsection in the previous fiscal year4 4 #cjb4 ,innovative urban conservation ,section #abdj;,h7a77#b7 of the ,food ,security ,act of #aihe 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #chci;aa-#h7;a77#b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,e7 and 7,f7 as subparagraphs 7,f7 and 7,g71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,d7 the following3 7,e7 partner with urban farmers to develop innovative conservation practices in urban areas to increase-- 7i7 green space2 7ii7 pollinator habitat2 7iii7 stormwater management2 7iv7 carbon sequestration2 and 7v7 access to agricultural production sites through land tenure agreements and other contracts2 4 #cjc4 ,pilot projects to increase community compost 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall carry out pilot projects under which local or municipal governments1 in not fewer than #aj ,states1 shall enter into cooperative agreements with the ,secretary to develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost and food waste reduction plans4 7b7 ,eligible entities and activities ,under a cooperative agreement entered into under this section1 the ,secretary shall provide assistance to a municipalities1 counties1 local governments1 or city planners1 as appropriate1 to carry out activities that will-- 7#a7 increase access to compost for agricultural producers2 7#b7 reduce reliance on1 and limit use of1 excess fertilizer2 7#c7 improve soil quality2 7#d7 encourage waste management and permaculture business development2 7#e7 increase rainwater absorption2 7#f7 reduce municipal food waste2 and 7#g7 divert waste from landfills4 7c7 ,evaluation and ranking of applications 7#a7 ,criteria ,the ,secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of ,federal investment in pilot projects under this section4 7#b7 ,considerations ,in establishing the selection criteria for the pilot projects1 the ,secretary shall prioritize applications that-- 7,a7 anticipate or demonstrate economic benefits2 7,b7 incorporate plans to make compost easily accessible to all agricultural producers1 including community gardeners2 7,c7 integrate other food waste strategies1 including food recovery efforts2 7,d7 collaborate with multiple partners2 and 7,e7 fulfill other priorities as determined by the ,secretary4 7#c7 ,evaluation ,to be eligible for a pilot project under this section1 an eligible entity shall agree to participate in an evaluation1 as determined by the ,secretary1 of the pilot project4 7d7 ,matching requirement ,the recipient of assistance for a pilot project under this section shall provide funds1 in-kind contributions1 or a combination of both from sources other than funds provided through the grant in an amount equal to not less than #be percent of the amount of the grant4 7e7 ,report ,not later than #d years after the date of 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 ,senate a report that contains an evaluation of the pilot projects authorized under this section4 7f7 ,funding ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #e1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjah4 #cjd4 ,healthy food healthy environment pilot program 7a7 ,definition of eligible entity ,in this section1 the term eligible entity means-- 7#a7 a nonprofit organization2 7#b7 an agriculture cooperative2 7#c7 a producer network or association2 7#d7 a community health organization2 7#e7 a public benefit corporation2 7#f7 an economic development corporation2 7#g7 a community-supported agriculture program2 7#h7 an institution of higher education2 7#i7 a ,state1 local1 or tribal agency2 and 7#aj7 any other entity designated by the ,secretary4 7b7 ,healthy food healthy environment pilot projects 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall make competitive grants to eligible entities to conduct pilot projects that strengthen marketplace links between healthy food consumption1 good environmental practices1 and direct public health outcomes4 7#b7 ,criteria ,in selecting pilot projects to receive grants under this section1 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 support pilot projects that-- 7i7 develop innovative marketing and incentive approaches to improve purchases of healthy foods2 7ii7 have demonstrated community and partnership support from local planning entities2 7iii7 use strategies that improve use of agricultural producer conservation practices2 7iv7 provide to communities evidence-based nutrition and environmental education2 7v7 agree to participate in the evaluation described in subsection 7c72 and 7vi7 meet additional criteria established by the ,secretary2 and 7,b7 give priority to pilot projects that-- 7i7 are located in-- 7,i7 underserved communities2 or 7,,ii7 identified food deserts2 7ii7 equally target good conservation practices and healthy food consumption2 7iii7 demonstrate strong urban1 suburban1 and rural linkages2 7iv7 provide locally or regionally produced fruits and vegetables2 and 7v7 address other criteria as established by the ,secretary4 7#c7 ,location requirements ,the ,secretary shall ensure that at least #b pilot projects are located in each of the following3 7,a7 ,urban communities4 7,b7 ,rural communities4 7,c7 ,peri-urban communities4 7#d7 ,limitation ,the maximum amount of grant funds received by an eligible entity under this section shall be #aej1jjj4 7#e7 ,duration ,the maximum duration of a grant received by an eligible entity under this section shall be #c years4 7c7 ,evaluation 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall conduct an evaluation of the pilot projects funded under this section that-- 7,a7 measures the environmental impacts of good conservation practices2 7,b7 measures increases in the consumption of healthy foods attributable to the projects2 7,c7 evaluates economic benefit in participating communities2 7,d7 provides for an overall assessment of public health outcomes due to improved healthy food consumption in selected communities2 and 7,e7 assesses such other metrics as may be determined by the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,costs ,the ,secretary may use not more than #aj percent of the funds made available to carry out this section to pay costs associated with conducting the evaluation under this subsection4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #e1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjag through #bjba4 ,,iv ,research1 innovation1 and technology #dja4 ,urban food production and market data initiatives ,section #ajjaf7;b7 of the ,agricultural ,act of #bjad 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bbjd;h7b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#e71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#f71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#g7 include information pertaining to production of food within urban and peri-urban areas1 collecting data1 and measuring impacts of the market for all types of production methods4 4 #djb4 ,data collection on urban agriculture ,section #b of the ,census of ,agriculture ,act of #aiig 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bbjd;g7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7h7 ,data collection on urban agriculture 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall conduct as a follow-on study to the census of agriculture required to be conducted in #bjag a census of urban agriculture1 including information about-- 7,a7 farms located in urban areas1 peri-urban areas1 and town centers2 7,b7 rooftop farms1 outdoor vertical production1 and green walls2 7,c7 indoor farms1 greenhouses1 and high-tech vertical technology farms2 7,d7 hydroponic1 aeroponic1 and aquaponic farm facilities2 and 7,e7 other activities as determined by the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection #h1jjj1jjj for fiscal years #bjag and #bjah4 4 #djc4 ,urban agriculture research1 education1 and extension initiative ,subtitle ,h of the ,food1 ,agriculture1 ,conservation1 and ,trade ,act of #aiij is amended by inserting after section #afgb;,d 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #eibe;f7 the following3 #afgb;,e4 ,urban agriculture research1 education1 and extension initiative 7a7 ,competitive research and extension grants authorized ,in consultation with the ,urban ,agriculture ,advisory ,board1 the ,secretary may make competitive grants to support research1 education1 and extension activities for the purposes of enhancing agricultural production in urban areas by-- 7#a7 facilitating the development of urban agriculture production1 transportation1 aggregation1 distribution1 and markets2 7#b7 assessing and developing strategies to remediate contaminated sites2 7#c7 determining and developing the best production management and integrated pest management practices2 7#d7 identifying and promoting the horticultural1 social1 and economic factors that contribute to successful urban agriculture production2 7#e7 analyzing the means by which new urban agricultural sites are determined1 including an evaluation of soil quality and local community needs2 7#f7 exploring new and innovative technologies that minimize energy and water inputs for increased food production in urban centers2 7#g7 studying and developing new and innovative agricultural products to connect to urban markets2 7#h7 examining how crop exposure to urban elements impacts environmental quality and food safety2 7#i7 conducting research relating to indoor vertical farm research and controlled environment agriculture production1 including-- 7,a7 efficiencies in energy1 lighting systems1 and water usage of indoor production systems2 7,b7 genetic resources for increasing the resistance of plants to urban and environmental stresses2 7,c7 innovative production systems1 including hydroponic1 aeroponic1 and aquaponics systems2 and 7,d7 innovative indoor growing methods of traditional and nontraditional agricultural products2 and 7#aj7 conducting other activities that are relevant to enhancing urban agricultural production1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7b7 ,grant types and process ,paragraphs 7#d7 and 7#g7 of subsection 7b7 of the ,competitive1 ,special1 and ,facilities ,research ,grant ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #dej;i7 shall apply with respect to the making of grants under this section4 7c7 ,priority ,the ,secretary may give priority to grant proposals that involve-- 7#a7 the cooperation of multiple entities2 or 7#b7 ,states or regions with a high concentration of urban farms1 rooftop farms1 and indoor production facilities4 7d7 ,funding 7#a7 ,mandatory funding ,of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation1 the ,secretary shall use to carry out this section #aj1jjj1jjj for each fiscal year1 to remain available until expended4 7#b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,in addition to amounts made available under paragraph 7#a71 there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #aj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjag through #bjba4 4