Study

(a) In general The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this Act as the Secretary) shall conduct a study— (1) to identify opportunities to better align the delivery and redemption of benefits across farmers' market programs and nutrition incentive programs under the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) for a more streamlined experience for shoppers and vendors; (2) to determine the feasibility of integrated or interoperable technology systems to reduce the number of platforms that farmers and markets manage; (3) to determine actions to reduce administrative burden in the senior farmers’ market nutrition program under section 4402 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3007) and the farmers' market nutrition program under section 17(m) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(m)), including by minimizing duplicative applications, reporting requirements, and transaction systems for farmers, markets, and retailers; and (4) the feasibility and implications of creating an integrated, modernized farmers’ market nutrition program under section 4402 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3007) that serves seniors and households that participate in the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children established by section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786). (b) Consultation In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with stakeholders, including States, markets, farmers, nonprofit organizations, and relevant payment technology providers. (c) Report to Congress Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress containing— (1) the results of the study under subsection (a); and (2) recommendations, including any legislative or administrative actions needed, relating to carrying out paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (a).