High-priority research and extension initiatives

Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925) is amended— (1) in subsection (d)— (A) by striking paragraphs (5), (6), (9), (10), (11), (13), and (18); (B) by redesignating paragraphs (7), (8), (12), (14), (15), (16), (17), (19), and (20) as paragraphs (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), and (13), respectively; (C) in paragraph (11), as so redesignated, by inserting and harmful algal blooms after macro-algae systems; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (14) Fertilizer and nutrient management initiative Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of carrying out research to improve fertilizer use efficiency in crops and examining nutrient management based on the source, rate, timing, and placement of crop nutrients. (15) Tropical plant health initiative Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of— (A) developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious weeds (as those terms are defined in section 403 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7702)) that impact tropical plants, including— (i) coffee plants; (ii) macadamia trees; (iii) cacao trees; (iv) plantains and bananas; (v) mangos; (vi) vanilla plants; (vii) tropical floriculture and nursery crops; and (viii) any other tropical plant as determined by the Secretary; (B) establishing an areawide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or areas at risk of being affected by, plant pests or noxious weeds; (C) surveying and collecting data on tropical plant production and health; (D) investigating tropical plant biology, immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics; and (E) conducting research on various factors that may contribute to, or be associated with, tropical plant immune systems and other serious threats to tropical plants. (16) Biochar research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of testing the full range of biochar types across soil types, soil health and soil management conditions, application methods, and climatic and agronomic regions, including through the establishment of a national biochar research network, to— (A) assess the soil carbon sequestration potential of various biochars and management systems integrating biochar use; (B) understand how to use biochar productively to contribute to climate mitigation, crop production, resilience to extreme weather events, ecosystem and soil health, natural resource conservation, and farm profitability; and (C) deliver science-based, region-specific, cost-effective, and practical information to farmers, ranchers, foresters, land reclamation managers, urban land managers, and other land and natural resource managers and businesses on sustainable biochar production and application. (17) Wildfire smoke exposure research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of studying the impact of wildfire smoke exposure on specialty crops, including wine grapes, hops, stone fruit, and apples, by— (A) conducting research— (i) to identify the compounds responsible for smoke exposure; and (ii) to establish standard methodologies for sampling and testing smoke-exposed specialty crops and smoke-affected products, including fast and inexpensive screening methods; (B) establishing a reliable database of background levels of smoke exposure compounds that occur naturally in specialty crops; (C) developing risk assessment tools or mitigation methods to reduce or eliminate smoke exposure; and (D) studying compounds that can act as a barrier between specialty crops and smoke compounds. (18) Invasive species research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to manage or eradicate (including through methods of biocontrol and sterile insect techniques) invasive species of plants and animals, such as the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella), and spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii). (19) Microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on farmland Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of carrying out or enhancing research on the agricultural impacts of microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, including structural firefighting foam, in land-applied biosolids or compost on farmland, including by— (A) conducting surveys and collecting data on concentration, particle size, and chemical composition of such substances in land-applied biosolids on farmland; (B) the development or analysis of techniques, including wastewater treatment and composting, to filter out or biodegrade such substances from biosolids intended to be used for agricultural purposes; (C) conducting an analysis of the impact on agricultural crops and soil health of such substances in land-applied biosolids on farmland, including the uptake of such substances by various crops or livestock; (D) conducting research to better understand how wastewater processing impacts such substances; (E) conducting research to better understand the fate, residence time, and transport of such substances on farmland; and (F) conducting research on how to remediate soil and water systems contaminated with such substances. (20) Agricultural byproducts research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of converting agricultural byproducts or forest residuals into valuable materials and products, including innovations in production processes for easily deployable refining facilities, developing alternatives to agricultural burning, and fostering energy production through recycling animal byproducts, wet waste, and plant-based waste. (21) Soil health research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of— (A) developing management practices that improve soil health, including establishing tools that aid soil preservation or improve composition of soil organic compounds that are beneficial to soil quality and the environment; and (B) disseminating such practices through methods such as innovative coursework and work-based learning. (22) White oak research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of white oak research, including conducting research on— (A) white oak genes with resistance and stress tolerance; (B) white oak trees that exhibit vigor for the purpose of increasing survival and growth; (C) establishing a diverse white oak seed bank capable of responding to stressors; (D) providing a sustainable supply of white oak seedlings and genetic resources; (E) reforestation of white oak through natural and artificial regeneration; and (F) the best methods for reforesting abandoned mine land sites. (23) Alternative growing media research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of developing and enhancing research on the characterization, utilization, and evaluation of alternative growing media, including science-based techniques that maximize functions in the growth of plants and harvest yields. (24) Rangeland research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of carrying out or enhancing research on the development of forage production and improved grazing and range management, including the adoption of virtual fencing technology that simultaneously enhance wildlife habitat, protect watersheds, and reduce hazards of erosion and flooding. (25) Specialty crop mechanization and automation research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of developing and evaluating mechanization and automation technologies for specialty crops.; (2) in subsection (e)(5), by striking 2023 and inserting 2031; (3) in subsection (f)(5), by striking 2023 and inserting 2031; (4) in subsection (g)— (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking 2023 and inserting 2031; (B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking 2023 and inserting 2031; and (C) in paragraph (3), by striking 2023 and inserting 2031; (5) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); (6) by inserting after subsection (g) the following: (h) Report Not later than February 1, 2028, and not less frequently than once every other year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing how the Department carried out research and extension activities specified in subsections (d) through (f) for the previous two fiscal years, including the amount of funding allocated to each high-priority research and extension initiative, through— (1) amounts made available under appropriations Acts to the Agricultural Research Service; (2) amounts made available to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture under capacity and infrastructure programs (as defined in section 251 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971)); (3) amounts made available to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture under competitive programs (as defined in such section); and (4) amounts made available through other agencies within the Department.; and (7) in subsection (i) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)), by striking 2023 and inserting 2031.

Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925) is amended— (1) in subsection (d)— (A) by striking paragraphs (5), (6), (9), (10), (11), (13), and (18); (B) by redesignating paragraphs (7), (8), (12), (14), (15), (16), (17), (19), and (20) as paragraphs (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), and (13), respectively; (C) in paragraph (11), as so redesignated, by inserting and harmful algal blooms after macro-algae systems; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (14) Fertilizer and nutrient management initiative Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of carrying out research to improve fertilizer use efficiency in crops and examining nutrient management based on the source, rate, timing, and placement of crop nutrients. (15) Tropical plant health initiative Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of— (A) developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious weeds (as those terms are defined in section 403 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7702)) that impact tropical plants, including— (i) coffee plants; (ii) macadamia trees; (iii) cacao trees; (iv) plantains and bananas; (v) mangos; (vi) vanilla plants; (vii) tropical floriculture and nursery crops; and (viii) any other tropical plant as determined by the Secretary; (B) establishing an areawide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or areas at risk of being affected by, plant pests or noxious weeds; (C) surveying and collecting data on tropical plant production and health; (D) investigating tropical plant biology, immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics; and (E) conducting research on various factors that may contribute to, or be associated with, tropical plant immune systems and other serious threats to tropical plants. (16) Biochar research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of testing the full range of biochar types across soil types, soil health and soil management conditions, application methods, and climatic and agronomic regions, including through the establishment of a national biochar research network, to— (A) assess the soil carbon sequestration potential of various biochars and management systems integrating biochar use; (B) understand how to use biochar productively to contribute to climate mitigation, crop production, resilience to extreme weather events, ecosystem and soil health, natural resource conservation, and farm profitability; and (C) deliver science-based, region-specific, cost-effective, and practical information to farmers, ranchers, foresters, land reclamation managers, urban land managers, and other land and natural resource managers and businesses on sustainable biochar production and application. (17) Wildfire smoke exposure research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of studying the impact of wildfire smoke exposure on specialty crops, including wine grapes, hops, stone fruit, and apples, by— (A) conducting research— (i) to identify the compounds responsible for smoke exposure; and (ii) to establish standard methodologies for sampling and testing smoke-exposed specialty crops and smoke-affected products, including fast and inexpensive screening methods; (B) establishing a reliable database of background levels of smoke exposure compounds that occur naturally in specialty crops; (C) developing risk assessment tools or mitigation methods to reduce or eliminate smoke exposure; and (D) studying compounds that can act as a barrier between specialty crops and smoke compounds. (18) Invasive species research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to manage or eradicate (including through methods of biocontrol and sterile insect techniques) invasive species of plants and animals, such as the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella), and spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii). (19) Microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on farmland Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of carrying out or enhancing research on the agricultural impacts of microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, including structural firefighting foam, in land-applied biosolids or compost on farmland, including by— (A) conducting surveys and collecting data on concentration, particle size, and chemical composition of such substances in land-applied biosolids on farmland; (B) the development or analysis of techniques, including wastewater treatment and composting, to filter out or biodegrade such substances from biosolids intended to be used for agricultural purposes; (C) conducting an analysis of the impact on agricultural crops and soil health of such substances in land-applied biosolids on farmland, including the uptake of such substances by various crops or livestock; (D) conducting research to better understand how wastewater processing impacts such substances; (E) conducting research to better understand the fate, residence time, and transport of such substances on farmland; and (F) conducting research on how to remediate soil and water systems contaminated with such substances. (20) Agricultural byproducts research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of converting agricultural byproducts or forest residuals into valuable materials and products, including innovations in production processes for easily deployable refining facilities, developing alternatives to agricultural burning, and fostering energy production through recycling animal byproducts, wet waste, and plant-based waste. (21) Soil health research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of— (A) developing management practices that improve soil health, including establishing tools that aid soil preservation or improve composition of soil organic compounds that are beneficial to soil quality and the environment; and (B) disseminating such practices through methods such as innovative coursework and work-based learning. (22) White oak research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of white oak research, including conducting research on— (A) white oak genes with resistance and stress tolerance; (B) white oak trees that exhibit vigor for the purpose of increasing survival and growth; (C) establishing a diverse white oak seed bank capable of responding to stressors; (D) providing a sustainable supply of white oak seedlings and genetic resources; (E) reforestation of white oak through natural and artificial regeneration; and (F) the best methods for reforesting abandoned mine land sites. (23) Alternative growing media research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of developing and enhancing research on the characterization, utilization, and evaluation of alternative growing media, including science-based techniques that maximize functions in the growth of plants and harvest yields. (24) Rangeland research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of carrying out or enhancing research on the development of forage production and improved grazing and range management, including the adoption of virtual fencing technology that simultaneously enhance wildlife habitat, protect watersheds, and reduce hazards of erosion and flooding. (25) Specialty crop mechanization and automation research Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of developing and evaluating mechanization and automation technologies for specialty crops. (26) Biological pest control Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of supporting research, development, or education materials, information, and outreach programs regarding biological pest control to limit crop damage and food-borne illnesses.; (2) in subsection (e)(5), by striking 2023 and inserting 2031; (3) in subsection (f)(5), by striking 2023 and inserting 2031; (4) in subsection (g)— (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking 2023 and inserting 2031; (B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking 2023 and inserting 2031; and (C) in paragraph (3), by striking 2023 and inserting 2031; (5) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); (6) by inserting after subsection (g) the following: (h) Report Not later than February 1, 2028, and not less frequently than once every other year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing how the Department carried out research and extension activities specified in subsections (d) through (f) for the previous two fiscal years, including the amount of funding allocated to each high-priority research and extension initiative, through— (1) amounts made available under appropriations Acts to the Agricultural Research Service; (2) amounts made available to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture under capacity and infrastructure programs (as defined in section 251 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971)); (3) amounts made available to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture under competitive programs (as defined in such section); and (4) amounts made available through other agencies within the Department.; and (7) in subsection (i) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)), by striking 2023 and inserting 2031.