Sec. 5. Urban agriculture liaison
458 words·~2 min read·
/bill/115/hr/3699/ih/section-5A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish in the Department of Agriculture the position of Urban Agricultural Liaison. The Urban Agricultural Liaison shall— establish and administer the urban agriculture outreach program established under section 4; establish and administer an information clearinghouse on urban agriculture; consult with public and private groups, including research institutions and urban botanical gardens, on how to enhance urban agriculture; provide technical assistance to urban farmers, producers, and ranchers to assist such farmers, producers, and ranchers— in identifying appropriate land, space, or buildings for lease or purchase; in preparing loan applications, identifying appropriate funding sources, and by connecting such farmers, producers, and ranchers with loan officers and other appropriate personnel; in connecting to the network of farmers’ markets throughout the United States; in forming partnerships with grocers; in diversifying the marketing plans of the farmers’, producers’, or ranchers’ products by encouraging the formation of community-supported agriculture groups and direct wholesale opportunities; in using unconventional farming practices, such as greenhouses, raised beds, hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaculture, vertical farming, and hoop houses; in understanding and applying plant science, soil science, engineering, material and energy science, and computer control systems; by providing for business development (including businesses engaged in processing food), organizing appropriate structure, and management activities, including professional development activities; with understanding and navigating municipal laws, regulations, ordinances, and policies with respect to obtaining permits, zoning, water access, licences, and registration, and with registering the farming business of such farmers, producers, or ranchers and satisfying any legal requirements applicable to such registration; and in establishing relationships with a wide range of field partners and in finding resources to assist such farmers, producers, or ranchers achieve efficient and viable food production; provide information to urban farmers, producers, and ranchers about, and connect urban farmers, producers, and ranchers with, beginning farmer training and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs; provide information to urban farmers, producers, and ranchers concerning the availability of, and eligibility requirements for, participation in agricultural programs, with particular emphasis on beginning farmer and rancher programs; serve as a resource for assisting urban farmers, producers, and ranchers, and potential urban farmers, producers, and ranchers, in applying for participation in agricultural programs; and advocate on behalf of urban farmers, producers, and ranchers in interactions with employees of the Department of Agriculture.
For purposes of carrying out the duties under subsection (b), the Urban Agricultural Liaison may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with research centers of the Agricultural Research Service, institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )), or nonprofit organizations to— conduct regional research on the profitability of small farms; develop educational materials; conduct workshops, courses, and certified vocational training; conduct mentoring activities; or provide internship opportunities.
Connectionstraces to 1
Traces to 1 document
Citation graph
cites case law
Sec. 5
Urban agriculture liaison
Cites 1Cited by 0 across 0 sources