Summary#
This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to support research, production, and workforce training for alternative proteins made with bioprocessing and biomanufacturing. It would add centers of excellence focused on converting under-used biomass into proteins and fats, expand grant programs, create a new Agricultural Research Service program on protein security, require a national strategy on alternative proteins within one year, and bar using the Act to support insect production for food or feed.
What it means for you#
- The Department of Agriculture would recognize at least three research centers of excellence, including one led by an 1890 land-grant institution.
- The department must set up a competitive grant program for commercial-scale biomanufacturing projects and a separate grant program for workforce training and education in food biomanufacturing and bioprocessing.
- Eligible grant recipients include U.S.-headquartered nonprofits, businesses, colleges, national labs, state or local governments, consortia, tribal entities, and other public or private organizations, with ownership and intellectual property requirements for some awards.
- Timelines in the bill include establishing certain grant programs within 180 days and finalizing a national strategy within one year after enactment.
- The bill would require annual reporting to relevant congressional committees about resources and work of the centers.
- The bill is currently in committee (referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology).
Expenses#
- Centers of excellence: authorized $15,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
- Agricultural Research Service national program (protein security): authorized $10,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
- Food biomanufacturing and production grant program: authorized $50,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. Individual grants must be at least $10,000,000.
- Food bioworkforce development grant program: authorized $25,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
- These authorizations total $100,000,000 per year for 2026–2030, based on amounts listed in the bill.
- No publicly available information on official cost estimates or whether these amounts will be appropriated by Congress.
Proponents' View#
The bill's findings say proponents believe protein innovation and biomanufacturing can diversify the food system, improve supply chain resilience, support farmers, increase economic productivity, and create jobs. The bill frames public investment in research, centers, grant programs, and workforce training as a way to keep U.S. leadership in food biomanufacturing and to prepare for rising global demand for protein.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.