,,ii #aaeth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #cjje ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,june #f1 #bjah,ms4 ,stabenow 7for herself1 ,mr4 ,van ,hollen1 ,mr4 ,casey1 ,ms4 ,baldwin1 ,mr4 ,booker1 ,mr4 ,durbin1 ,mr4 ,menendez1 and ,mr4 ,wyden7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry ,a ,,bill ,to encourage and promote urban1 indoor1 and other emerging agricultural production practices1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,urban ,agriculture ,act of #bjah4 #b4 ,congressional findings and declaration of purposes 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds that-- 7#a7 agricultural producers are developing innovative agricultural production practices and using traditional production practices in innovative locations1 such as urban areas2 7#b7 those urban agricultural practices continue-- 7,a7 to create jobs and develop the workforce2 7,b7 to increase domestic 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 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 further realize the benefits described in paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary of ,agriculture should comprehensively incorporate urban1 indoor1 and other emerging agricultural practices into the vision of the ,department of ,agriculture to provide economic opportunity through promoting innovative 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 urban1 indoor1 and other emerging agricultural practices2 7#b7 to articulate a broadly inclusive description of urban1 indoor1 and other emerging agricultural practices 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 indoor vertical farms1 and other emerging agricultural practices4 #c4 ,office of urban agriculture and innovative production 7a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,a of the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #fiaa et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bba4 ,office of ,urban ,agriculture and ,innovative ,production 7a7 ,office 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish in the ,department an ,office of ,urban ,agriculture and ,innovative ,production4 7#b7 ,director ,the ,secretary shall appoint a senior official to serve as the ,director of the ,office of ,urban ,agriculture and ,innovative ,production 7referred to in this section as the ,director74 7#c7 ,mission ,the mission of the ,office of ,urban ,agriculture and ,innovative ,production shall be to encourage and promote urban1 indoor1 and other emerging agricultural practices1 including-- 7,a7 community gardens and farms located in urban areas1 suburbs1 and urban clusters2 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 innovations in agricultural production1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7#d7 ,responsibilities ,the ,director shall be responsible for engaging in activities to carry out the mission described in paragraph 7#c71 including by-- 7,a7 managing and facilitating programs1 including for community gardens1 urban farms1 rooftop agriculture1 and indoor vertical production2 7,b7 coordinating with the agencies and officials of the ,department2 7,c7 advising the ,secretary on issues relating to the mission of the ,office of ,urban ,agriculture and ,innovative ,production2 7,d7 ensuring that the programs of the ,department are updated to address urban1 indoor1 and other emerging agricultural production practices1 in coordination with the officials in the ,department responsible for those programs2 7,e7 engaging in external relations with stakeholders and coordinating external partnerships to share best practices1 provide mentorship1 and offer technical assistance2 7,f7 facilitating interagency program coordination and developing interagency tools for the promotion of existing programs and resources2 7,g7 creating resources that identify common ,state and municipal best practices for navigating local policies2 7,h7 reviewing and improving farm enterprise development programs that provide information about financial literacy1 business planning1 and food safety record keeping2 7,i7 coordinating networks of community gardens and facilitating connections to local food banks1 in partnership with the ,food and ,nutrition ,service2 and 7,j7 collaborating with other ,federal agencies that use agricultural practices on-site for food production or infrastructure4 7b7 ,urban ,agriculture and ,innovative ,production ,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 and ,innovative ,production ,advisory ,committee 7referred to in this subsection as the ,committee7 to advise the ,secretary on-- 7,a7 the development of policies relating to urban1 indoor1 and other emerging agricultural production practices2 and 7,b7 any other aspects of the implementation of this section4 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,committee shall be composed of #ae members1 of whom-- 7i7 #e shall be individuals who are agricultural producers1 of whom-- 7,i7 not fewer than #b individuals shall be agricultural producers located in an urban area or urban cluster2 and 7,,ii7 not fewer than #b individuals shall be farmers that use innovative technology1 including indoor farming and rooftop agriculture2 7ii7 #b shall be representatives from an institution of higher education or extension program2 7iii7 #a shall be an individual who represents a nonprofit organization1 which may include a public health1 environmental1 or community organization2 7iv7 #a shall be an individual who represents business and economic development1 which may include a business development entity1 a chamber of commerce1 a city government1 or a planning organization2 7v7 #a shall be an individual with supply chain experience1 which may include a food aggregator1 wholesale food distributor1 food hub1 or an individual who has direct-to-consumer market experience2 7vi7 #a shall be an individual from a financing entity2 and 7vii7 #d shall be individuals with related experience or expertise in urban1 indoor1 and other emerging agriculture production practices1 as determined by the ,secretary4 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 #e of the members1 as determined by the ,secretary1 shall be appointed for a term of #c years2 7ii7 #e of the members1 as determined by the ,secretary1 shall be appointed for a term of #b years2 and 7iii7 #e of the members1 as determined by the ,secretary1 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 as soon as practicable in the same manner as the original appointment4 7,d7 ,consecutive terms ,an initial appointee of the committee may serve an additional consecutive term if the member is reappointed by the ,secretary4 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-- 7,i7 to further the mission of the ,office of ,urban ,agriculture and ,innovative ,production described in subsection 7a77#c72 and 7,,ii7 regarding the establishment of urban agriculture policy priorities and goals within the ,department2 7ii7 advise the ,director on policies and initiatives administered by the ,office of ,urban ,agriculture and ,innovative ,production2 7iii7 evaluate and review ongoing research and extension activities relating to urban1 indoor1 and other innovative agricultural practices2 7iv7 identify new and existing barriers to successful urban1 indoor1 and other emerging agricultural production practices2 and 7v7 provide additional assistance and advice to the ,director as appropriate4 7,b7 ,reports ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this section1 and each year thereafter1 the ,committee shall submit to the ,secretary1 the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate a report describing the recommendations developed under subparagraph 7,a77i74 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 #a or more #b-year periods4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #e1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai and each fiscal year thereafter4 4 #d4 ,urban agriculture development 7a7 ,definition of ,director ,in this section1 the term ,director means the ,director of the ,office of ,urban ,agriculture and ,innovative ,production4 7b7 ,farm numbers ,the ,secretary shall provide for the assignment 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 this ,act77 for rooftop farms1 indoor farms1 and other urban farms1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7c7 ,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 unit of local government2 7,d7 a ,tribal government2 7,e7 any school that serves any of grades kindergarten through grade #ab2 and 7,f7 an institution of higher education4 7#b7 ,grants ,the ,director may award competitive grants to eligible entities to support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production4 7#c7 ,funding priority ,in awarding grants under this subsection1 priority shall be given to an eligible entity that uses and provides an evaluation of a grant received under this subsection-- 7,a7 to plan and construct gardens or nonprofit farms2 7,b7 to operate community gardens or nonprofit farms that-- 7i7 produce food for donation2 7ii7 have a demonstrated environmental benefit and educational component2 and 7iii7 are part of community efforts to address local food security needs2 7,c7 to educate a community on-- 7i7 issues relating to food systems1 including connections between rural farmers and urban communities2 7ii7 nutrition2 7iii7 environmental impacts1 including pollinator health1 soil fertility1 composing1 heat islands1 and storm water runoff2 and 7iv7 agricultural production1 including pest and disease management2 and 7,d7 to provide multiple small dollar equity investments to help offset start-up costs relating to new production1 land access1 and equipment for new and beginning farmers who-- 7i7 develop a #c-year business plan2 7ii7 live in the community in which they plan to farm2 and 7iii7 provide a match to the start-up investment in the form of cash or an in-kind contribution4 7d7 ,pilot projects 7#a7 ,urban and suburban county committees 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish a pilot program for not fewer than #e years that establishes #aj county committees in accordance with section #h7;b77#e77;,b77ii77,,ii7 of the ,soil ,conservation and ,domestic ,allotment ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #eij;h7b77#e77;,b77 to operate in counties located in urban or suburban areas with a high concentration of urban or suburban farms4 7,b7 ,effect ,nothing in this paragraph requires or precludes the establishment of a ,farm ,service ,agency office in a county in which a county committee is established under subparagraph 7,a74 7,c7 ,report ,for fiscal year #bjai and each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year #bjbc1 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 a summary of-- 7i7 the status of the pilot program under subparagraph 7,a72 7ii7 meetings and other activities of the committees established under that subparagraph2 and 7iii7 the types and volume of assistance and services provided to farmers in counties in which county committees are established under that subparagraph4 7#b7 ,increasing community compost and reducing food waste 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,director 7referred to in this paragraph as the ,secretary71 shall carry out pilot projects under which the ,secretary shall offer to enter into cooperative agreements with local or municipal governments in not fewer than #aj ,states to develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans4 7,b7 ,eligible entities and purposes of pilot projects ,under a cooperative agreement entered into under this paragraph1 the ,secretary shall provide assistance to municipalities1 counties1 local governments1 or city planners1 as appropriate1 to carry out planning and implementing activities that will-- 7i7 generate compost2 7ii7 increase access to compost for agricultural producers2 7iii7 reduce reliance on1 and limit the use of1 fertilizer2 7iv7 improve soil quality2 7v7 encourage waste management and permaculture business development2 7vi7 increase rainwater absorption2 7vii7 reduce municipal food waste2 and 7viii7 divert food waste from landfills4 7,c7 ,evaluation and ranking of applications 7i7 ,criteria ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish criteria for the selection of pilot projects under this paragraph4 7ii7 ,priority ,in selecting a pilot project under this paragraph1 the ,secretary shall give priority to an application for a pilot project that-- 7,i7 anticipates or demonstrates economic benefits2 7,,ii7 incorporates plans to make compost easily accessible to agricultural producers1 including community gardeners2 7,,iii7 integrates other food waste strategies1 including food recovery efforts2 and 7,,iv7 provides for collaboration with multiple partners4 7,d7 ,matching requirement ,the recipient of assistance for a pilot project under this paragraph 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 7,e7 ,evaluation ,the ,secretary shall conduct an evaluation of the pilot projects funded under this paragraph to assess different solutions for increasing access to compost and reducing municipal food waste1 including an evaluation of-- 7i7 the amount of ,federal funds used for each project2 and 7ii7 a measurement of the outcomes of each project4 7#c7 ,healthy food healthy environment 7,a7 ,definition of eligible entity ,in this paragraph1 the term eligible entity means-- 7i7 a nonprofit organization2 7ii7 an agriculture cooperative or business2 7iii7 a producer network or association2 7iv7 a community health organization2 7v7 a public benefit corporation2 7vi7 an economic development corporation2 7vii7 a community supported agriculture program2 7viii7 an institution of higher education2 and 7ix7 a ,state1 local1 or ,tribal agency4 7,b7 ,healthy food healthy environment pilot projects 7i7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,food and ,agriculture and the ,director1 shall make competitive grants to eligible entities to conduct pilot projects that strengthen marketplace links between-- 7,i7 healthy food consumption and good environmental practices2 and 7,,ii7 direct public health outcomes4 7ii7 ,criteria ,in selecting pilot projects to receive grants under this paragraph1 the ,secretary shall-- 7,i7 support pilot projects that-- 7aa7 develop innovative marketing and incentive approaches to improve purchases of healthy foods2 7bb7 have demonstrated community and partnership support from local planning entities2 7cc7 use strategies that improve the use of agricultural producer conservation practices and improve environmental efficiencies2 and 7dd7 provide to communities evidence-based nutrition and environmental education2 and 7,,ii7 give priority to pilot projects that-- 7aa7 are located in-- 7,,aa7 underserved communities2 or 7,,bb7 identified food deserts2 7bb7 equally target good conservation practices and healthy food consumption2 7cc7 demonstrate strong urban1 suburban1 and rural linkages2 and 7dd7 provide locally or regionally produced fruits and vegetables4 7iii7 ,location requirements ,the ,secretary shall ensure that not fewer than #b pilot projects are located in each of the following3 7,i7 ,urban communities4 7,,ii7 ,rural communities4 7,,iii7 ,peri-urban communities4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #bj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai and each fiscal year thereafter4 #e4 ,risk management 7a7 ,federal crop insurance ,section #ebb7;c7 of the ,federal ,crop ,insurance ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aebb7;c77 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraph 7#bd7 as paragraph 7#bf72 and 7#b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#bc7 the following3 7#bd7 ,greenhouse policy 7,a7 ,in general 7i7 ,research and development ,the ,corporation shall carry out research and development1 or offer to enter into #a or more contracts with #a or more qualified persons to carry out research and development1 regarding a policy to insure1 in a controlled environment such as a greenhouse-- 7,i7 the production of floriculture1 nursery1 and bedding plants2 7,,ii7 the establishment of cuttings or tissue culture in a growing medium2 or 7,,iii7 other similar production1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7ii7 ,availability of policy or plan of insurance ,notwithstanding the last sentence of section #ejh7;a77#a71 and section #ejh7;a77#b71 the ,corporation shall make a policy described in clause 7i7 available if the requirements of section #ejh7;h7 are met4 7,b7 ,research and development described ,research and development described in subparagraph 7,a77i7 shall evaluate the effectiveness of policies for the production of plants in a controlled environment1 including policies that-- 7i7 are based on the risk of-- 7,i7 plant diseases introduced from the environment2 7,,ii7 contaminated cuttings1 seedlings1 or tissue culture2 or 7,,iii7 ,federal or ,state quarantine or destruction orders associated with the contaminated items described in subclause 7,,ii72 7ii7 consider other causes of loss applicable to a controlled environment1 such as a loss of electricity due to weather2 7iii7 consider appropriate best practices to minimize the risk of loss2 7iv7 consider whether to provide coverage for various types of plants under #a policy or to provide coverage for #a species or type of plant per policy2 7v7 have streamlined reporting and paperwork requirements that take into account short propagation schedules1 variable crop years1 and the variety of plants that may be produced in a single facility2 and 7vi7 provide protection for revenue losses4 7,c7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,urban ,agriculture ,act of #bjah1 the ,corporation 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-- 7i7 describes the results of the research and development conducted under subparagraphs 7,a77i7 and 7,b72 and 7ii7 provides any recommendations with respect to those results4 7#be7 ,local foods 7,a7 ,in general 7i7 ,research and development ,the ,corporation shall carry out research and development1 or offer to enter into #a or more contracts with #a or more qualified persons to carry out research and development1 regarding a policy to insure production-- 7,i7 of floriculture1 fruits1 vegetables1 poultry1 livestock1 or the products of floriculture1 fruits1 vegetables1 poultry1 or livestock2 and 7,,ii7 that is targeted toward local consumers and markets4 7ii7 ,availability of policy or plan of insurance ,notwithstanding the last sentence of section #ejh7;a77#a7 and section #ejh7;a77#b71 the ,corporation shall make a policy described in clause 7i7 available if the requirements of section #ejh7;h7 are met4 7,b7 ,research and development described ,research and development described in subparagraph 7,a77i7 shall evaluate the effectiveness of policies for production targeted toward local consumers and markets1 including policies that-- 7i7 consider small-scale production in various areas1 including urban1 suburban1 and rural areas2 7ii7 consider a variety of marketing strategies1 including-- 7,i7 direct-to-consumer marketing2 7,,ii7 farmers markets2 7,,iii7 farm-to-institution marketing2 and 7,,iv7 marketing through community supported agriculture2 7iii7 allow for production in soil and in alternative systems1 such as vertical systems1 greenhouses1 rooftops1 or hydroponic systems2 7iv7 consider the price premium when accounting for production or revenue losses2 7v7 consider whether to provide coverage-- 7,i7 for various types of production under #a policy2 and 7,,ii7 for #a species or type of plant per policy2 and 7vi7 have streamlined reporting and paperwork requirements4 7,c7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,urban ,agriculture ,act of #bjah1 the ,corporation 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-- 7i7 examines whether a version of existing policies such as the whole-farm revenue protection insurance plan may be tailored to provide improved coverage for producers of local foods2 7ii7 describes the results of the research and development conducted under subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b72 and 7iii7 includes any recommendations with respect to those results4 4 7b7 ,noninsured crop assistance program ,section #aif7l77#a77;,b7 of the ,federal ,agriculture ,improvement and ,reform ,act of #aiif 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #gccc7l77#a77;,b77 is amended by inserting 1 contract price1 or other premium price 7such as a local1 organic1 or direct market price1 as elected by the producer7 after price4 #f4 ,soil and conservation 7a7 ,innovative ,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 farmers to develop innovative conservation practices for urban1 indoor1 or other emerging agricultural practices 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 7b7 ,soil ,testing and ,remediation ,assistance ,chapter #e of subtitle ,d of title ,,xii of the ,food ,security ,act of #aihe is amended by inserting after section #abdj,m 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #chci;bb7 the following3 #abdj,n4 ,soil testing and remediation assistance 7a7 ,in general ,to improve the health and quality of the soil used for agricultural production1 the ,secretary shall work with producers1 including small-scale producers of food1 to mitigate the presence of contaminants in soil1 including by carrying out subsections 7b71 7c71 and 7d74 7b7 ,soil testing protocol 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 shall establish a coordinated soil testing protocol to simplify the process used by producers 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 metals1 volatile organic compounds1 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons1 or other contaminants2 and 7,b7 biological and physical characteristics indicative of proper soil functioning4 7#b7 ,public availability ,the ,secretary shall make the soil testing protocol established under paragraph 7#a7 available to the public4 7c7 ,soil assessment and remediation technical assistance 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall provide technical assistance to a producer carrying out a soil assessment or soil remediation practice that shall include-- 7,a7 an overall review of the health of the soil used by the producer for agricultural production2 7,b7 testing of the soil1 if applicable1 to determine the suitability of the soil for agricultural production2 7,c7 based on the results of the soil tested under subparagraph 7,b71 a consultation with the producer and a determination of the quality1 health1 and level of contamination of the soil adequate-- 7i7 to protect against a health risk to producers2 7ii7 to limit contaminants from entering agricultural products for human consumption2 and 7iii7 to regenerate and sustain the soil2 and 7,d7 recommendations on methods to conduct remediation or soil building efforts to improve soils and ensure that the producers-- 7i7 are not growing products in soils with high levels of heavy metals1 volatile organic compounds1 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons1 or other contaminants2 7ii7 have appropriate information regarding financial resources and conservation practices available to keep soil healthy1 including practices1 as defined in section #abdj;,a2 and 7iii7 have access to experts1 including experts outside of the ,natural ,resources ,conservation ,service1 that may provide assistance to producers to oversee and monitor soil under remediation or regeneration to ensure soils are suitable for agricultural production in the future4 7#b7 ,education and outreach ,the ,secretary shall conduct education and outreach to producers regarding the uses of soil and methods of addressing soil contamination and soil health degradation4 7d7 ,referral ,on the request of an agricultural producer1 where soil is found to pose an imminent hazard to human health1 the ,secretary may refer the agricultural producer to the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency for additional assistance for remediation under section #ajd7k7 of the ,comprehensive ,environmental ,response1 ,compensation1 and ,liability ,act of #aihj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ifjd7k774 4 7c7 ,covered ,practices ,sec #abdj;,a7#d77;,a7 of the ,food ,security ,act of #aihe 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #chci;aa-#a7d77;,a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in clause 7iv71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 by redesignating clause 7v7 as clause 7vii72 and 7#c7 by inserting after clause 7iv7 the following3 7v7 soil tests for-- 7,i7 heavy metals1 volatile organic compounds1 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons1 and other contaminants2 and 7,,ii7 biological and physical soil health2 7vi7 scientifically based soil remediation practices to be carried out by the producer1 as determined by the ,secretary2 and 4 #g4 ,data collection 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #cfj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall conduct as a follow-on study to the census of agriculture required to be conducted in calendar year #bjag under section #b of the ,census of ,agriculture ,act of #aiig 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bbjd;g7 a census of urban1 indoor1 and other emerging agricultural production1 including information about-- 7#a7 community gardens and farms located in urban areas1 suburbs1 and urban clusters2 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 innovations in agricultural production1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #h1jjj1jjj for the period of fiscal years #bjai through #bjba4 #h4 ,research1 education1 and extension initiative ,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 ,urban1 indoor1 and other emerging agricultural production research1 education1 and extension initiative 7a7 ,competitive research and extension grants authorized ,in consultation with the ,urban ,agriculture and ,innovative ,production ,advisory ,committee established under section #bba7;b7 of the ,department of ,agriculture ,reorganization ,act of #aiid1 the ,secretary may make competitive grants to support research1 education1 and extension activities for the purposes of enhancing urban1 indoor1 and other emerging agricultural production by-- 7#a7 facilitating the development of urban1 indoor1 and other emerging agricultural production1 harvesting1 transportation1 aggregation1 packaging1 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 assessing the impacts of shipping and transportation on nutritional value2 7#e7 identifying and promoting the horticultural1 social1 and economic factors that contribute to successful urban1 indoor1 and other emerging agricultural production2 7#f7 analyzing the means by which new agricultural sites are determined1 including an evaluation of soil quality1 the condition of a building1 or local community needs2 7#g7 exploring new and innovative technologies that minimize energy1 lighting systems1 water1 and other inputs for increased food production2 7#h7 examining building material efficiencies and structural upgrades for the purpose of optimizing growth of agricultural products2 7#i7 studying and developing new crop varieties and innovative agricultural products to connect to new markets2 or 7#aj7 examining the impacts of crop exposure to urban elements on environmental quality and food safety4 7b7 ,grant types and process ,subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,e7 of paragraph 7#d71 paragraph 7#g71 and paragraph 7#aa77;,b7 of subsection 7b7 of the ,competitive1 ,special1 and ,facilities ,research ,grant ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #caeg7 shall apply with respect to the making of grants under this section4 7c7 ,priority ,the ,secretary may give priority to grant proposals under this section that involve-- 7#a7 the cooperation of multiple entities2 or 7#b7 ,states or regions with a high concentration of or significant interest in 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 #bj1jjj1jjj for the period of fiscal years #bjai through #bjbc1 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 #bjai through #bjbc4 4