§ 5925g.
Urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production research, education, and extension initiative
(a)
Competitive research and extension grants authorized
In consultation with the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee established under
section 6923(b) of this title, the Secretary may make competitive grants to support research, education, and extension activities for the purposes of facilitating the development of urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production, harvesting, transportation, aggregation, packaging, distribution, and markets, including by—
(1)
assessing and developing strategies to remediate contaminated sites;
(2)
determining and developing the best production management and integrated pest management practices;
(3)
identifying and promoting the horticultural, social, and economic factors that contribute to successful urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production;
(4)
analyzing the means by which new agricultural sites are determined, including an evaluation of soil quality, condition of a building, or local community needs;
(5)
exploring new technologies that minimize energy, lighting systems, water, and other inputs for increased food production;
(6)
examining building material efficiencies and structural upgrades for the purpose of optimizing growth of agricultural products;
(7)
developing new crop varieties and agricultural products to connect to new markets; or
(8)
examining the impacts of crop exposure to urban elements on environmental quality and food safety.
(c)
Priority
The Secretary may give priority to grant proposals that involve—
(1)
the cooperation of multiple entities; or
(2)
States or regions with a high concentration of or significant interest in urban farms, rooftop farms, and indoor production facilities.
([Pub. L. 101–624, title XVI, § 1672E], as added [Pub. L. 115–334, title VII, § 7212(a)], Dec. 20, 2018, [132 Stat. 4812]; amended [Pub. L. 118–22, div. B, title I, § 102(d)(5)(B)], Nov. 17, 2023, [137 Stat. 117].)