This bill aims to improve farming practices by focusing on the impact of microplastics and certain chemicals in agriculture. It seeks to fund research that helps protect crops and soil health from these harmful substances.
Research for Healthy Soils Act This bill includes research on the agricultural impacts of microplastics and PFAS in land-applied biosolids or compost 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. Perfluoroalky and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. The bill specifically allows grants for carrying out or enhancing research in this area (e. g., the development or analysis of techniques, including wastewater treatment and composting, to filter out or biodegrade such substances 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 FY2031. The bill also specifically reauthorizes through FY2031the 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; anda USDA-conducted nationwide honey bee pest, pathogen, health, and population status surveillance program.