Producing Real Opportunities for Technology and Entrepreneurs Investing in Nutrition Act

(e) Centers of Excellence for Food and Agriculture Innovation

(1) Recognition. The Secretary shall recognize not fewer than 3 centers of excellence, one of which will be led by an 1890 Institution (as defined in section 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)), to focus on the areas specified in paragraph (2) relating to the advancement of emerging and innovative food and agriculture with an emphasis on diversifying edible protein sources.

(2) Areas of focus

(A) Food biomanufacturing research and development. A center of excellence recognized under paragraph (1) may carry out research, development, and education programs that support the quality, production, or cost-effectiveness of emerging and innovative foods that employ—

(i) bioprocessing;

(ii) biomanufacturing; and

(iii) the conversion of biomass into proteins and fats at scale.

(B) Student success and workforce development. A center of excellence recognized under paragraph (1) may engage in activities to ensure that students have the skills and education needed to work in innovative food and agriculture industries, including agricultural science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related fields of study.

(3) Authorization of appropriations. There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

(4) Report. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Producing Real Opportunities for Technology and Entrepreneurs Investing in Nutrition Act, and every 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—

(A) the resources invested in the centers of excellence recognized under paragraph (1); and

(B) the work being done by such centers of excellence.