Research for Healthy Soils Act

Hozzl · 2024-02-03T12:45:18Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 3623 Research for Healthy Soils Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on undefined. Stay informed on legislative developments.

2/3/2024, 12:45 PM

Summary of Bill S 3623

Bill 118 s 3623, also known as the Research for Healthy Soils Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to promote research and innovation in the field of soil health in order to improve agricultural practices and sustainability.

The bill proposes the establishment of a competitive grant program within the Department of Agriculture to fund research projects focused on improving soil health. These projects would aim to develop new techniques and technologies for soil conservation, nutrient management, and carbon sequestration.

Additionally, the Research for Healthy Soils Act seeks to increase collaboration between government agencies, universities, and private sector organizations in order to share knowledge and best practices related to soil health. This would help to ensure that research findings are effectively disseminated and implemented by farmers and other stakeholders. Overall, the Research for Healthy Soils Act is designed to support efforts to protect and enhance the health of our nation's soils, which are essential for sustainable agriculture and food security. By investing in research and innovation in this area, the bill aims to help farmers improve their productivity and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Congressional Summary of S 3623

Research for Healthy Soils Act

This bill includes research on the agricultural impacts of microplastics in land-applied biosolids on farmland as a Department of Agriculture (USDA) high-priority research and extension area. Microplastic is a plastic or plastic-coated particle that is less than 5 millimeters in size.

The bill specifically allows grants for carrying out or enhancing research in this area (e.g., through the development or analysis of wastewater treatment techniques to filter out or biodegrade microplastics from biosolids intended to be used for agricultural purposes).

Further, the bill reauthorizes USDA grants to support competitive specialized research and extension activities, including high-priority areas, through FY2028. The bill also specifically reauthorizes through FY2028

the Pulse Crop Health Initiative;
the Comprehensive Food Safety Training Network;
pollinator protection research and extension grants;
increased USDA capacity and infrastructure to address and conduct research on colony collapse disorder and other pollinator issues; and
a USDA-conducted nationwide honey bee pest, pathogen, health, and population status surveillance program.

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Current Status of Bill S 3623

Bill S 3623 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 18, 2024. Bill S 3623 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on January 18, 2024. Bill S 3623's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. as of January 18, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 3623

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 3623

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 3623

Research for Healthy Soils Act

A bill to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to include as a high-priority research and extension area research on microplastics in land-applied biosolids on farmland, and for other purposes.