ROMA Act

1473I. Isotopic signatures for processing tomatoes

(a) Database

(1) Establishment. The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service, shall establish and maintain (directly or by making a grant) a database of isotopic signatures of processing tomatoes.

(2) Scientific samples. The Secretary shall collect and record (directly or by making a grant) scientific samples, including domestic and foreign samples, as appropriate for maintaining the Database.

(3) Access. Upon the request of an individual or entity (including a Federal agency, an institution of higher education, an agricultural research station, or a private entity), the Secretary shall provide to such individual or entity, in a timely fashion, information contained in the Database.

(b) Research of testing methodologies

(1) Conduct of research. For the purpose of assisting the establishment and maintenance of the Database, the Secretary shall conduct research (directly or by making a grant) on the further development of isotopic testing methods, including methods that may increase accuracy or the breadth of testable biological materials.

(2) Retention of research data. An entity that is awarded a grant to conduct research under paragraph (1) may retain a copy of any data generated through such research.

(c) Coordination. In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall coordinate with the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection on how to best support customs and import inspections of processing tomatoes using the isotopic signatures in the Database.

(d) Report. Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes—

(1) an analysis of the establishment and use of the Database;

(2) a description of the results of the research conducted under subsection (b)(1); and

(3) any recommendations for legislative or administrative action.

(e) Definitions. In this section:

(1) Database. The term Database means the database established under subsection (a)(1).

(2) Isotopic signature. The term isotopic signature means a usable geographic fingerprint created by examining a unique ratio of stable or radioactive isotopes as well as the specific ratio of elements like hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen for a subject item, including through trace element analysis, stable isotope ratio analysis, or any other process capable of identifying the geographic place of origin of the subject item.

(3) Secretary. The term Secretary means the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service.