S. 3528 — Producing Real Opportunities for Technology and Entrepreneurs Investing in Nutrition Act

This section sets forth nine congressional findings concerning protein innovation using under-utilized biomass and biomanufacturing, including that such innovation is essential to the bioeconomy; the U.S. has produced biotechnological breakthroughs to diversify the food system; other countries have increased alternative protein research investments; every $1 of agricultural research yields $20 in economic productivity; the plant-based food industry supported over 55,000 U.S. jobs as of 2019 and the protein sector could create 10 million jobs globally by 2050; global meat demand is predicted to double by 2050; and diversification improves supply chain resilience, food security, and national security.

This section establishes centers of excellence for food and agriculture innovation by directing the Secretary of Agriculture to recognize not fewer than 3 such centers—one led by an 1890 Institution (i.e., historically Black land-grant university)—to advance emerging and innovative food and agriculture technologies with an emphasis on diversifying edible protein sources. The centers focus on (1) food biomanufacturing research, development, and education programs to support the quality, production, or cost-effectiveness of emerging foods through bioprocessing, biomanufacturing, and biomass conversion into proteins and fats at scale; and (2) student success and workforce development activities to equip students for innovative food and agriculture industries, including agricultural science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related fields. The section authorizes $15 million for each of FY2026 through FY2030 and requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the agriculture committees of Congress describing resources invested in and work conducted by the centers.

This section expands the priority areas of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative—under the food safety, nutrition, and health category—by adding tools and production methods that increase the availability of edible protein sources using bioprocessing, biomanufacturing, and the conversion of under-utilized biomass into high-value ingredients. (As background, the initiative provides competitive grants for fundamental and applied research, extension, and education to address food and agricultural sciences.)

This section directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Agricultural Research Service, to establish a national program dedicated to protein security—increasing rural prosperity and farmer profits—focused on (1) bioprocessing, (2) biomanufacturing, and (3) conversion of under-utilized biomass into high-value ingredients. The section authorizes $10 million for the program for each of FY2026 through FY2030.

This section directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish, not later than 180 days after enactment, a grant program to support domestic food biomanufacturing and production capability for edible proteins and fats to meet increased global protein demand. Eligible entities include U.S.-headquartered nonprofits or for-profits, institutions of higher education, National Laboratories, state or local governments, or consortia thereof that operate primarily in the United States, are at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, and deploy U.S.-owned intellectual property. Grant recipients must use funds for (1) demonstration projects for advanced biomanufacturing, production, or bioprocessing of edible proteins and fats at scale; (2) construction of new commercial-scale facilities for such activities; or (3) retooling, retrofitting, or expanding qualified existing U.S. facilities for such activities, with each grant at least $10 million. The section authorizes $50 million to the Secretary for the program for each of FY2026 through FY2030.

This section directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish, not later than 180 days after enactment, a competitive grant program to support food biomanufacturing and bioprocessing workforce development. Eligible entities include governmental entities; public, private, or cooperative organizations organized on a for-profit or nonprofit basis; and Indian Tribes (as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304) on a federal or state reservation or any other federally recognized Indian Tribe. Grant recipients must use funds to (1) train new and existing employees in food biomanufacturing and bioprocessing; (2) establish training, technology, and trade centers; (3) provide higher-education scholarships, including at community colleges; (4) conduct regional, community, and local economic development planning; (5) provide technical assistance for regulatory compliance; or (6) facilitate business and lending opportunities, including private investments, loan guarantees, grants, and other financial support. The section authorizes $25 million for each of FY2026 through FY2030.

This section directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with specified agency heads (i.e., Secretaries of Defense, Energy, and Commerce; Directors of the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Office of Science and Technology Policy; Commissioner of Food and Drugs; and Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency), to establish a national strategy on protein security and finalize it not later than one year after enactment. The strategy must use a whole-of-government approach to position the United States as the global leader in food biomanufacturing, bioprocessing, and bioworkforce development; identify objectives (including interagency coordination), barriers, and solutions; and include an implementation plan. In developing the strategy, the Secretaries must consider best available science on edible protein diversification (i.e., bioprocessing, biomanufacturing, and conversion of under-utilized biomass); strategic benefits to national security, agriculture, supply chains, and innovation; global competition and economic impacts; and existing federal and state policies, programs, and barriers.