Producing Real Opportunities for Technology and Entrepreneurs Investing in Nutrition Act

This legislation directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish **research centers of excellence** for food and agriculture innovation, with a specific focus on diversifying edible protein sources. These centers will concentrate on bioprocessing, biomanufacturing, and converting under-utilized biomass into proteins and fats, with at least one center led by an 1890 Institution. The bill authorizes $15 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for these centers, which will also engage in **workforce development** to prepare students for innovative food industries. To further advance protein innovation, the bill amends the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative to prioritize research into tools and methods for increasing edible protein availability. It also establishes a new **Agricultural Research Service national program** dedicated to protein security, authorizing $10 million annually for bioprocessing, biomanufacturing, and biomass conversion. Additionally, a **Food Biomanufacturing and Production Grant Program** is created, providing at least $10 million per grant for demonstration projects, new commercial facilities, or expansion of existing facilities for advanced biomanufacturing of edible proteins and fats, with $50 million authorized annually. The bill also establishes a **Food Bioworkforce Development Grant Program**, authorizing $25 million annually to support training, scholarships, and economic development in food biomanufacturing and bioprocessing. Finally, it mandates the development of a **national strategy on alternative proteins** by the Secretary of Agriculture in coordination with other agencies. This strategy will ensure U.S. leadership in food biomanufacturing, address barriers, and coordinate interagency efforts, while explicitly stating that it does not support the production of insects for food or animal feed.